Abstract
INTRODUCTION: cytobiochemical analysis of urine samples is the most requested complementary laboratory tool along with blood count. It has high predictive value in patients with urinary tract infections when it is properly done and scrupulously interpreted. The purpose of this study was to assess the rate, progression, determinants and cytobiochemical comorbidities of urinary tract infections. METHODS: we conducted a documentary, descriptive, analytical and comparative study of patients referred for cytobiochemical examinations of urine to the laboratories of the University Clinics in Kinshasa (UCK) between 2011 and 2014. RESULTS: a total of 8926 cytobiochemical tests were requested, with less than 2% of biochemical tests. The study involved more women than men (6426 women vs 2500 men), with a sex ratio of 3F: 1M. Cytobiochemical tests were more requested in the 30-39-year age group (17%; n=1517) mand during the rainy seasons 72% (n=3511), with a peak in May. Urinary tract infections accounted for 54,8% [adjusted estimates n=4892 including E. coli (n=1937), Klebsiella (n=993)] and were mainly diagnosed over the period 2012-2014. There was an independent and significant association between female sex (adjusted OR = 3.5; CI = 95%; 3.1-3.8; P<0.0001), admission during the rainy seasons (adjusted OR = 1.3; CI = 95%; 1.2-1.4; P<0.0001) and urinary tract infection. CONCLUSION: urinary tract infection was a major concern for female patients admitted during the rainy seasons and over the years 2012-2014 at the UCK. Urinary tract infections were rare over the Nina year 2011 after the hottest El Nino year, while the rate of urinary tract infections was the same over the years 2012-2014, which were relatively hot before the the hottest El Nino year 2015. This study highlights that there is an interaction between the hot and humid tropical climatic conditions of the city of Kinshasa and the global cold climate, in the context of climate variability, global warming, which may explain the outbreak of urinary infections in Kinshasa.