Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are widespread globally, and comprehending the distribution of uropathogens and their susceptibility to antibiotics is vital for effective treatment. Addressing antibiotic resistance is crucial due to its substantial impact on public health and the economy. This research aims to investigate the efficacy of commonly used antibiotics on isolates from urine samples of males in hostels of a tertiary institution. A total of fifteen (15) samples were collected and analyzed using standard microbiological procedures. The bacterial isolates were identified through morphological and biochemical tests. Findings revealed that the total bacteria count ranged from 2.08 x 10³CFU/ml to 2.98 x 10³CFU/ml. Bacterial identified and their frequency were; Proteus mirabilis (10.7%), Staphylococcus aureus (14.6%), Enterobacter cloacae (10.0%), Streptococcus sp (4.3%), Escherichia coli (16.1%), Pseudomonas sp (9.3%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.6%), Acinetobacter sp (3.2%), Enterococcus faecalis (6.4%), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (3.9%), and Serratia marcescens (7.9%) which underscores the prevalence of uropathogens. Antibiotic sensitivity testing unveiled varying susceptibility levels to different antibiotics with certain antibiotics exhibiting higher efficacy than others. For instance, Streptomycin showed higher effectiveness on E. coli and Acinetobacter sp., Septrin and Ciprofloxacin were very effective on Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conversely, Trivia was not effective on K. pneumoniae and Acinetobacter sp.  Staphylococcus aureus was resistant to Gentamicin and Amoxicillin. The study identified the most effective antibiotics against different bacterial types and shed light on the issue of antibiotic resistance in specific bacteria. Utilizing antimicrobial stewardship programs, education, and hygiene practices are imperative in mitigating antibiotic resistance and preserving the efficacy of antibiotics.