Prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women in Nnewi, southeast Nigeria

Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in pregnancy is associated with obstetric complications including preeclampsia, pyelonephritis, preterm labour, low birth weight and prematurity. Determining the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women locally is needed to justify routine screening for ASB in pregnancy. This cross sectional, case controlled study examined 440 women comprising equal numbers of pregnant and non pregnant women attending various clinics at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi, Nigeria with the aim of determining the prevalence of ASB among them and the antibiotic sensitivity of the isolated organisms. Urine culture using MacConkay and blood agar were used to isolate bacteria organisms. Significant bacteriuria was defined as the finding of single pure isolate of ≥10 in two consecutive, freshly voided, midstream urine. The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among the pregnant women was 19.5% (n=43) and 6.4% ( n=14) for the non pregnant women. (x=16.9,0R=3.6, P=0.00). There was no significant influence of age (x=1.89,P=0.39), parity (x=3.92,P=0.14) or social class (x=5.7, p=0.22) on the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the commonest isolated organism, 30(52.6%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus, 10 (17.5%) and Klebsiella sp, 9 (15.8%). The isolated E. coli was 100% sensitive to ofloxacin, nitrofurantoin and nalidixic acid and 83.3%, 73.3% and 66.7% sensitive to augmentin, gentamicin and cefuroxime, respectively. Sensitivity to ampicillin and cotrimoxazole were 43.3% and 30.0%, respectively. The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in NAUTH is high and the isolated organisms were mainly susceptible to ofloxacin, nitrofurantoin and nalidixic acid. Routine screening for ASB in pregnancy in the hospital is recommended for all pregnant women. © 2012 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.