Asymptomatic Bacteriuria Prevalence among Primary School Children in the Federal University of Technology, Akure (Futa), Ondo State, Nigeria

A study was carried out to determine the prevalence of bacteriuria among primary school children in The Federal University of Technology, Akure. One hundred and fifty (150) Mid-Stream Urine (MSU) samples were collected from both male and female pupils aged 5-11. Samples were examined macroscopically for colour and haematuria prior to the microbiological analysis on Cystine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient (CLED) agar using standard methods. Macroscopic examination showed 50.67% of urine samples with amber and clear; 14.67% with amber and cloudy, 6% with straw and cloudy and 24% with straw and clear. 2.67% of samples showed haematuria. Bacteria isolates encountered are Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The predominant bacterial isolate was E. coli (56.8%), followed by S. aureus (18.9%), Klebsiella spp. (16.2%) and P. aeruginosa (8.1%). Overall prevalence of bacteriuria was 24.7%. Bacteriuria was higher among females (29.9%) than in males (11%). School children within the age group 10-11 yrs had the highest prevalence (20.0%), and in males; while age group 5-7 yrs had the highest asymptomatic bacteriuria prevalence (35.3%) and in females. This paper discussed the possible health implications of bacteriuria prevalence observed, and also emphasized the need for routine laboratory checks among children in the primary school.