MICROBIAL CHALLENGES IN MATERNITY: PREVALENCE OF ASYMPTOMATIC BACTERIURIA AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN

Abstract

Background: Asymptomatic bacteriuria, the presence of bacteria in urine without symptoms, is more common in pregnant women due to physiological changes. There is controversy over the need for antibiotic therapy even though untreated instances might result in complications such as pyelonephritis. Though worries over antibiotic side effects and trial biases continue, screening suggestions are prompted by variations in prevalence throughout the world.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among the pregnant women attending for antenatal care. Mid-stream urine sample was collected. This study included 216 women of reproductive age group who were pregnant. Simple random sampling method was used in selecting study participants based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. All samples were subjected to standard microbiological procedures.

Results: Significant bacteriuria was observed in 19 urine samples and accounted for 8.8% prevalence. Significant difference was observed in the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria with respect to age, parity and trimester (p. 0.001). The highest proportion of asymptomatic bacteriuria was observed between the age group 18-25 (6.02%). In the present study, preponderance of ASB was observed in third trimester 14(4.48%). E.coli and Coagulase Negative Staphylococci were the common isolates observed. Majority of isolates were found to be susceptible to Amoxicillin-clavulanate.

Conclusions: Significant bacteriuria, which was detected in 8.8% of samples, revealed differences in the incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria according to trimester, age, and parity. The management of asymptomatic bacteriuria should take age, parity, and trimester-specific factors into account as E.coli and Coagulase Negative Staphylococci were frequent isolates that were mostly susceptible to Amoxicillin-clavulanate.