Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Pediatric Urinary Tract Infections in Benghazi, Libya: A Two-Year Retrospective Study

• Jebril S. Elabidi

  Department of pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Benghazi, Libya

  Author

• Asmaa F. Salih

  Department of pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Benghazi, Libya

  Author

• Monia F. Abusarayi

  Department of pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Benghazi, Libya

  Author

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most prevalent bacterial infections in children and represent a significant cause of pediatric morbidity worldwide. This study examines the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of UTIs among children admitted to Benghazi pediatric hospitals for two years A retrospective analysis of 176 pediatric patients (January 2021-December 2022) was conducted at Benghazi Children's Hospital. Data included demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and imaging results. UTI prevalence among nephrology admissions was 17.6 %, with a female predominance of (62.5 %). E. coli was the predominant pathogen (71.4 %). Common symptoms included abdominal pain (35.8 %), discolored urine (31.3 %), and vomiting (26.7 %). Ultrasound revealed abnormalities in 31.8 % of cases. Pediatric UTIs in Benghazi show similar patterns to global trends, with E. coli as the primary pathogen. These findings emphasize a need for prompt diagnosis and tailored antibiotic therapy in our region.

1. Asmaa F. Salih, Department of pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Benghazi, Libya

   Nephrology department 

   Benghazi Children Hospital 

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