Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur frequently among women with diabetes. The present study aimed at determining prevalence and risk factors of bacteriuria in diabetic women and antimicrobial resistance pattern of the isolates at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Dar es Salaam. Three hundred diabetic women attending clinic at MNH from June to November 2010 were included in the study. Demographic and clinical information were collected using a structured questionnaire. Urine specimens were collected for urinalysis, microscopy, culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Significant, asymptomatic and symptomatic bacteriuria was found in 13.7% (41/300), 13.4% (31/231), and 14.5% (10/69) diabetic women, respectively. The isolated pathogens were Escherichia coli (39.0%),Klebsiella pneumoniae (22.0%), coagulase negative Staphylococci (14.65) and Proteus spp. (12.2%). Both Gram positive and negative bacteria showed high rate of resistance towards co-trimoxazole (55.6% and 50.0%, respectively). Gram negative bacteria showed high rate of resistance to ampicillin (62.55%), penicillin (53.1%) and moderate resistance to cefotaxime (18.8%). Advanced age and glycosuria were significantly associated with bacteriuria (P < 0.05). E. coli was the commonest aetiological agent for both symptomatic and asymptomatic bacteriuria among diabetic women, especially those with advanced age and glycosuria. Most uropathogens were resistant to co-trimoxazole, ampicillin and ciprofloxacin.

Key words: Diabetes mellitus, bacteriuria, antimicrobial resistance.