Publication:

Prevalence and outcome of asymptomatic bacteriuria in early pregnancy

Background Bacteriuria is a major risk factor for developing symptomatic urinary tract infection which is associated with significant maternal and fetal risks. Various studies have put a prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria between 2-10% in pregnancy. Maternal and fetal complications like gestational hypertension, anaemia, premature delivery, IUGR, and low birth weight are commonly associated with pyelonephritis which occurs as a result of undiagnosed or inadequately treated infections of the urinary tract. The primary objective was to find out the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancies less than 28 weeks gestation in our hospital and to study the various adverse pregnancy outcomes in the study group.

Methods This was a cross sectional study done over a period of 12 months at this tertiary care centre in Government sector in Trivandrum, Kerala. A sample size was calculated statistically and 400 women with gestational age less than 28 weeks attending the outpatient department were included in this study. A structured proforma, urine microscopy and urine culture and sensitivity were the study tools.

Results Prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in our study population was 8.25%. Commonest pathogen isolated was E.coli in 57.14% cases. Maternal morbidity was higher in women with asymptomatic bacteriuria (24.2%) than those without (12.5%). Fetal morbidity in women with asymptomatic bacteriuria was 24% whereas it was 12.5% in those without it. Preterm labour, preeclampsia and prematurity were the common morbidities noted.

Conclusions Since pregnant women with asymptomatic bacteriuria were at an increased risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcome, routine screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria preferably in the first trimester is highly recommended.