Prevalence of Urinary Tract Infections Caused by Some Gram-Negative Bacteria Among Pregnant Women in Kirkuk Province – Iraq

Abstract

The increased risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) among pregnant women, coupled with the increase in the incidence of type various uropathogens worldwide in recent years, may impose a substantial burden on medical costs. This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of UTIs caused by some gram-negative bacteria among pregnant women in Kirkuk province. 217 women (aged between 16-65 years old-117 pregnant and 100 nonpregnant women) with urinary tract infections were subjected to this study. Their ages were ranged between ages 16 & 65 years. A sufficient amount of (10-20 ml) of Mid-stream, clean catch specimens were collected in a sterilized container for urine culture and Bacterial Susceptibility Test to Antimicrobial Agents. The results revealed a significant (p,0.05) incidence of UTI in pregnant than in non-pregnant women and the highest percentage of patients was within the age group 36-45 years old. Regarding isolated gram-negative bacteria among pregnant women, there were E. coli which constituted 40.8 followed by K. pneumonia which constituted 26.7. Most of the gram-negative bacteria showed high sensitivity to ceftazidime, amoxiclav, cefotaxime, and nitrofurantoin. It is concluded that the high prevalence of UTI among pregnant women and urine culture are very necessary for diagnosis along with antibiotic sensitivity tests.