Urinary tract infection in malnourished rural African children

During an 8-month period from 1 September 1992 to 30 April 1993, 134 children less than 5 years of age admitted with all grades of malnutrition to a rural hospital were investigated for urinary tract infection. Thirty-five (26.1%) had proven infection. Incidence rates amongst malnutrition categories did not vary significantly. Antibiotic sensitivities with reference to ongoing surveillance and antimicrobial usage is discussed. The value of dipstick screening tests was analysed for predictability and found to be an unreliable alternative to traditional culture techniques. This study emphasizes that urinary tract infection in malnutrition is common and should be routinely investigated.