ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY OF UTI PATHOGENS: INSIGHTS FROM SPECIALIST HOSPITAL, YOLA

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent a prevalent bacterial infection affecting individuals across community and healthcare settings, frequently prompting medical consultations. With notable contributions from Susman (1998), Tice (1999), Al-Sweih et al. (2008), and Kolawale et al. (2009), UTIs emerge as a significant public health concern, characterized by their widespread occurrence and clinical impact. This paper offers a comprehensive overview of UTIs, encompassing their epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, and management strategies. Drawing upon insights from seminal studies, it highlights the multifactorial nature of UTIs, involving complex interactions between host factors, microbial pathogens, and environmental determinants. UTIs are recognized as a leading cause of morbidity, with substantial healthcare utilization and economic burden. Key aspects addressed include the prevalence of UTIs across different demographic groups, risk factors predisposing individuals to infection, and the spectrum of causative pathogens implicated in UTI pathogenesis. Notably, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance poses significant challenges to UTI management, necessitating a multifaceted approach encompassing antimicrobial stewardship, infection prevention strategies, and judicious antibiotic use. This paper underscores the importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate management in mitigating the clinical and societal impact of UTIs. By synthesizing evidence-based recommendations and clinical guidelines, it aims to inform healthcare professionals and policymakers on optimal strategies for UTI prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.