Asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women attending tertiary care teaching hospital

Abstract

Introduction: One of the causes for adverse perinatal outcome is asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB). The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women. Materials and Methods: A total of 205 urine specimens were collected by clean catch method from pregnant women attending Vinayaka Missions Medical College and Hospital, to screen asymptomatic bacteriuria. Collected urine samples were sent to microbiology laboratory and subjected to standard microbiological procedures to identify the pathogen. Results: Out of 205 midstream urine specimens, 21 samples yielded significant bacterial growth and accounted for 10% asymptomatic bacteriuria. Asymptomatic bacteriuria was predominantly found between the age group of 18-25 years (52.38%). Significant bacterial growth was found in the specimens collected during three trimesters. Predominantly growth was seen from the urine specimens collected during second 8 (38.10%) and third trimester 8 (38.10%). Escherichia coli was the predominant bacteria isolated and accounted for 33.33%. Nitrofurantoin was found to be the most effective towards Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Conclusion: In our study, prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriura among pregnant women was 10%. Predominantly isolated bacteria was Escherichia coli. Among commonly used antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections, Nitrofurantoin was found to be the most effective drug. Keywords: Asymptomatic bacteriuria, Escherichia coli, Nitrofurantoin.