Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Pregnant Women in the Antenatal Booking Clinic at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

Kani Yamuna Aminu,Umar Usman Aliyu

doi:10.4236/ojog.2015.55042

Abstract

Asymptomatic bacteriuria is common in pregnant women and if untreated could lead to serious complications. Despite this, its prevalence and microbiological characteristics have not been well studied in Kano and they vary among different populations. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence, microbiological characteristics and pregnancy outcome of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy among women who came for antenatal booking clinic at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) Kano. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted among randomly selected 200 consenting pregnant women who came for antenatal booking from November 2010 to January 2011. Samples of 10 - 15 mls urine were examined for pus cells and bacteria and then cultured on cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient agar. Colony counts yielding bacterial growth of 105/ml or more of pure isolates were deemed significant. Isolates were identified to specie level. Antibiotic sensitivity test was done, treatment was given and pregnancy outcome was determined. Urinalysis and Full Blood Count were done. The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy was 9%. Parity and Pyuria had statistically significant association with asymptomatic bacteriuria (P < 0.05). The commonest organisms isolated wereKlebsiella spp. and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Following treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria, there was no statistically significant difference in pregnancy outcome compared to patients who did not have the condition. The incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy in AKTH is low. Screening of pregnant women using urine microscopy culture and sensitivity should be reserved for pregnant women with higher risk of developing asymptomatic bacteriuria.

Highlights

Asymptomatic bacteriuria is bacteria present in urine in the absence of clinical signs or symptoms of urinary infection in the host [1]
Bacteria isolated from the urine of patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria usually originate as colonizing flora of the gut, vagina, or periurethral area
None of the patients treated for asymptomatic bacteriuria in this study developed pyelonephritis or recurrent asymptomatic bacteriuria

Summary

Introduction

Asymptomatic bacteriuria is bacteria present in urine in the absence of clinical signs or symptoms of urinary infection in the host [1]. Bacteria isolated from the urine of patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria usually originate as colonizing flora of the gut, vagina, or periurethral area. Organisms persist in the urinary tract without eliciting a host response sufficient to produce symptoms or cause eradication [1]. Variables, such as host genetic predisposition, incomplete bladder emptying, or the presence of a foreign body, may all facilitate persistence [1]. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus species, staphylococcal species, enterococci, and group B streptococci can establish colonization [1] [2] [4]

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