[01] Dirisu C. G., Department of Biology Education, Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku, Nigeria. [02] Egbule O., Department of Biology Education, Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku, Nigeria. [03] Utuh I. A., MD, Sick Bay, Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku, Nigeria. [04] Uzorka B. A., Department of Physical and Health Education, Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku, Nigeria.

Uropathogenic strains of Escherichia coli were isolated from urine of female students in Madona University Elele, Rivers state, Nigeria and subjected to antibiotics sensitivity test using agar diffusion method. One hundred and twenty-five samples of early morning mid-stream urine were collected and inoculated by streaking directly into sterile eosine methylene blue (EMB) agar and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Black colonies with green metallic sheen on EMB, which is typical of E. coli were purified and inoculated on nutrient agar impregnated with multi disc antibiotics using spread plate method. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Observation of clear zone of inhibition indicated sensitivity while absence of any cleared zone indicated resistance. Result indicates that there was significantly more chances of isolating E. coli from urine (p > 0.05). Antibiotics susceptibility result shows that E. coli strains were more likely to be resistant to the antibiotics tested than those that were sensitive. Out of the 50 positive cases, the highest observed resistance was tetracycline (94%) and the least was ciprofloxacin (28%). 80% of isolates were resistant to sulphamethoxazole, 80% to penicillin, 76% to streptomycin and 60% to chloramphenicol. This study reveals that there is an increased rate of drug resistance among patients with urinary tract infection. Since antimicrobial resistance are constantly evolving and present global public health concerns, measures should be taken to prevent E. coli infection by organizing enlightenments programmes regularly to warn the students of the risk of drug abuse, poor personal hygiene and environmental conditions.

Antibiotics, E. coli, Urine, Uropathogenic, Resistance, Sensitive

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