Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium that is often encountered in
urinary tract infection (UTI) worldwide and has shown varied antibiotic
susceptibility patterns. This study was therefore designed to ascertain
the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the organism in Jos. Data on
antimicrobial susceptibility of P. aeruginosa generated from urine
samples by the Microbiology laboratory of Jos University Teaching
Hospital (JUTH) was compiled for a period of three years (July 2001-
June 2004). Additional information was obtained from the records
department of the hospital. Samples were collected, stored and
processed using standard laboratory procedures. The rate of isolation
of P. aeruginosa from urine samples was found to be 4.6% (n=127) from
12,458 samples. From male population 34% (n=43) were isolated and 66%
(n=84) were recovered from females population with a significant (P
< 0.05) gender difference. All the 100% isolates of P. aeruginosa
were resistant to penicillin, cloxacillin, tetracycline, nitrofurantoin
and nalidixic acid. While 67% were sensitive to augmentin, sensitivity
to ofloxacin was 92%, ciprofloxacin 92% and cefuroxime (86%). The
resistance pattern of P. aeruginosa from urine against antibiotics was
extremely high. Prophylactic antibiotic medication against UTI should
be carefully weighed against this undesirable possible outcome
(resistance). Susceptibility testing should be adopted as a basic
routine laboratory procedure in hospitals and clinics in order to guide
appropriately on the right choice of antibiotics. Finally, ofloxacin,
ciprofloxacin, and cefuroxime should be considered on isolation of P.
aeruginosa from UTI, especially in the absence of a sensitivity report
as well as for prophylactic options
