Asymptomatic bacteriuria of pregnant women in a tertiary care centre
Volume 12, Issue 7, August 2022, Pages 1-7
. Meenakshi Totadhri, . Anandhi Lakshmanan, . Saraswathy M P, . Manisha S. Mane
Abstract BACKGROUND: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is commonly seen during pregnancy due to the
various morphological, hormonal, and physiological changes the body undergoes. If left undiagnosed,
it can lead to conditions such as pyelonephritis and preterm delivery which could culminate in causing
maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence,
risk factors, microbial profile, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns associated with ASB in a tertiary
healthcare center.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional study was carried out where 150 urine samples
were obtained from pregnant women within the gestational age of 13–36 weeks. Randomized
stratified sampling was the method of sampling used. A questionnaire was also administered to
them to determine potential risk factors. The samples were cultured and identified using biochemical
tests. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were carried out by Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Statistical
analysis was carried out using Chi‑square test. The graphs and tables were generated using Microsoft
Excel and Word.
RESULTS: Out of the 150 samples that were obtained, 8 samples had significant bacteriuria which
is a prevalence of 5.33%. Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated organism accounting
to 45% of the isolates. The other organisms that were isolated were Enterococcus, Klebsiella
pneumoniae, Coagulase negative staphylococcus (CONS), Candida albicans, and Group B
Streptococcus which measured to 11% of the total distribution each. In the antibiotic sensitivity
tests, among the gram‑negative isolates, marked resistance to Ampicillin and Amoxycillin along with
sensitivity to Cotrimoxazole and Nitrofurantoin. Of the gram‑positive isolates, there was sensitivity
to Ampicillin and Nitrofurantoin. A positive correlation was seen between the age groups of 23–27
and the prevalence of ASB.
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ASB in this study shows that ASB is not uncommon in the
population. Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and National Health Mission
recommendations to make urine check‑ups a routine, it not carried out, possibly due to cost
implications. However, it poses a risk for severe maternal and fetal outcomes and hence, should be
screened for on a regular basis. Thus, this study emphasizes the importance of screening pregnant
women for ASB for promoting better maternal and fetal health.