Asymptomatic bacteriuria in a university teaching hospital in Southern Nigeria: Prevalence, uropathogens, and antibiotic susceptibility

Abstract

Background: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) has been documented as the main risk factor for the development of symptomatic urinary tract infection in pregnancy and is associated with maternal and fetal complications. Objective: To determine the ASB prevalence, the causative microorganisms, their drug sensitivity patterns, and the factors associated with its occurrence in pregnant women in the Uyo, Nigeria. Methodology: Three hundred and twenty women were recruited during their first antenatal visit over a period of 13 weeks. A midstream urine specimen was obtained from each patient, cultured, isolates identified and antimicrobial sensitivity done. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20. Results: The ASB prevalence was 9.1% with the two commonest identified isolates being Escherichia coli (41.4%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (24.1%). Imipenem (100.0%) and gentamycin (37.9%) were the two most sensitive drugs. The association between respondents' educational level and the occurrence of ASB was significant statistically. Conclusion: The prevalence of ASB was relatively high among the respondents. This, therefore, emphasizes the need for routine screening of our antenatal female population for ASB in all our health facilities.