PARASITOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS AMONG SELECTED STUDENTS IN UNIBEN, NIGERIA.
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Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infectious diseases globally, affecting people of all ages and sexes, but particularly prevalent among women and young adults. Parasitic UTIs play a significant role in developing regions where environmental, sanitary, and
socioeconomic conditions facilitate transmission. The aim of this study was to investigate the
presence of parasites in the urine samples of selected students of the University of Benin. A total
of sixty (60) midstream urine samples were collected and analyzed using standard
microbiological methods, including physical characteristics of each urine sample, such as color
and appearance, followed by chemical analysis using commercially available urine strips and
microscopic examination using a compound light microscope with the condenser lowered to
enhance contrast focused on identifying eggs or trophozoites characteristic of these parasites. The urinalysis showed that 24% of urine samples tested positive for leukocytes, 17% for nitrites, blood appeared in 10% and 15% for protein indicating possible urinary tract infections. Out of
the 60 urine samples examined, the overall prevalence of parasitic infection was 11.7%, with
Schistosoma haematobium (8.3%) being more common than Trichomonas vaginalis (3.3%). Higher infection rates were recorded among females and individuals aged 21–25 years. Although
parasitic urinary tract infections (UTIs) were found to be less common than bacterial UTIs, their
presence among university students indicates that they remain a relevant and concerning health
issue. These findings suggest a clear need for public health interventions focused on improving
hygiene, sanitation, and regular health monitoring within the university population. Implementing routine urine screening for both biochemical abnormalities and parasitic infections
would support early detection and timely treatment, helping to prevent complications. Additionally, students should be encouraged to adopt safe practices such as maintaining personal
hygiene, changing underwear regularly, avoiding exposure to contaminated water, and using
protective measures in shared facilities. Addressing these factors is essential for reducing the risk
and impact of parasitic infections in this vulnerable group.
socioeconomic conditions facilitate transmission. The aim of this study was to investigate the
presence of parasites in the urine samples of selected students of the University of Benin. A total
of sixty (60) midstream urine samples were collected and analyzed using standard
microbiological methods, including physical characteristics of each urine sample, such as color
and appearance, followed by chemical analysis using commercially available urine strips and
microscopic examination using a compound light microscope with the condenser lowered to
enhance contrast focused on identifying eggs or trophozoites characteristic of these parasites. The urinalysis showed that 24% of urine samples tested positive for leukocytes, 17% for nitrites, blood appeared in 10% and 15% for protein indicating possible urinary tract infections. Out of
the 60 urine samples examined, the overall prevalence of parasitic infection was 11.7%, with
Schistosoma haematobium (8.3%) being more common than Trichomonas vaginalis (3.3%). Higher infection rates were recorded among females and individuals aged 21–25 years. Although
parasitic urinary tract infections (UTIs) were found to be less common than bacterial UTIs, their
presence among university students indicates that they remain a relevant and concerning health
issue. These findings suggest a clear need for public health interventions focused on improving
hygiene, sanitation, and regular health monitoring within the university population. Implementing routine urine screening for both biochemical abnormalities and parasitic infections
would support early detection and timely treatment, helping to prevent complications. Additionally, students should be encouraged to adopt safe practices such as maintaining personal
hygiene, changing underwear regularly, avoiding exposure to contaminated water, and using
protective measures in shared facilities. Addressing these factors is essential for reducing the risk
and impact of parasitic infections in this vulnerable group.
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