European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

SEASONAL VARIATION AND URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN CENTRAL SRI LANKA

Anurudda Udaya Bandara Pethiyagoda*, Kalyani Pethiyagoda, K.M.V.K.Kothwela, Charuni Danushika Ranasinghe and Keshani Nishadika

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common bacterial infections ranging from asymptomatic to sever sepsis. Understanding the seasonality dynamics of UTI may provide a valuable insight into the determinants of infection, which can help clinicians and infection control specialists understand the risk factors for these infections and ultimately improve their prevention. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study done with the records of patients admitted to Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya from January 2017 to August 2019 for severe and acute episodes of UTI. Climate data of the corresponding months were collected from Department of Meteorology. We used the data recorded in the nearest weather station (Katugastota). Results: The study covered 80% of all first consultations in the outpatient clinic at Teaching hospital, Peradeniya. The association of incidence of UTI in Central Sri Lanka with average rainfall and average relative humidity is significant as described in this study. There was only a little significance between the incidence of UTI and average air temperature. A significant increase of UTI was observed in the first inter monsoon periods when weather changes from one climate season to the other. Conclusions: New studies should be done over a large sample in different geographical areas with more pronounced climate changes to get a more comprehensive understanding.

Keywords: UTI, Seasonal variation, Sri Lanka.