URINARY-TRACT INFECTION IN MALNOURISHED RURAL AFRICAN CHILDREN

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