Publication:

Asymptomatic bacteriuria and antibacterial susceptibility during pregnancy

Background Urinary tract infections are more common in women than in men and still more in pregnant women because of anatomical and physiological changes during pregnancy. Incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria is 2-10% globally and it is still more in developing countries. Untreated asymptomatic bacteriuria can lead to many prenatal and maternal complications; hence early detection and treatment is of considerable importance.

Methods Total 220 pregnant women at their first visit were screened during one year. Midstream urine samples were inoculated and results were interpreted after 24-48 hours.

Results Incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was 12.27%. E. coli was the commonest pathogen detected and Nitrofurantoin was found to be effective against commonest pathogens.

Conclusions Ectopic pregnancy can have varied presentations and misdiagnosis can be seen in Surgical, Medical and Gynaecology Universal screening of aymptomatic bacteriuria is recommended because of its high prevalence and prenatal and maternal complications, if left untreated. Nitrofurantoin can be advocated because of its low cost and high effectiveness where culture is not possible because of inadequate resources.