Asymptomatic Bacteriuria and Drug Susceptibility Patterns of Mid-stream Urine Specimens Among Pregnant Women at Booking in a Private Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract

Background:Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common during pregnancy. Asymptomatic bacteriuria(ASB) can lead to the development of cystitis or pyelonephritis if left untreated and could eventually result in very serious sequelae.Objectives: To determine bacterial isolates and drug susceptibility patterns of mid-stream urinary specimens among pregnant women who were asymptomatic for UTIat their first antenatal attendance (booking).Subjects and methods: A retrospective review of urine results of antenatal attendants with no symptoms of UTI at booking from January 2010 to December, 2012 was done. As part of routine investigations at booking women provided mid-stream urinary specimens and bacterial isolates and drug susceptibility patterns were determined.Results: The total number of women was 453 and significant bacteriuria was found in 45/453(9.9%) . The commonest bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus aureus18/45 (40%) and E. coli 15/45 (33.3%). All the bacterial isolates were sensitive to nitofurantoin and theleast sensitivities were to erythromycin 13/45 (28.9%) and ampicillin 11/45 (24.4%).Conclusion: All pregnant women should be screened for bacteriuria at booking since the asymptomatic ones may have significant bacteriuria which could later result in serious infections and poor pregnancy outcomes. The choice of antibiotics used should bebased on maternal factors and the gestational age.