Antimicrobial Profile and Asymptomatic Urinary Tract Infections among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Bolgatanga Regional Hospital, Ghana

Abstract

Urinary tract infection (UTI) in pregnancy is associated with significant morbidity for both the mother and the baby. Proper investigation and prompt treatment are needed to prevent the serious life-threatening condition and morbidity associated with UTI in pregnant women. Aim: This study was designed to detect common uropathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern among asymptomatic pregnant women attending antenatal care in the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital. Methodology: Mid-stream urine samples were collected from 200 individuals and inoculated onto cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient (CLED) agar media. Colony counts yielding bacterial growth of ≥ 105 CFU /ml was regarded as significant bacteriuria. Pure isolates of bacterial pathogens were characterized by colony morphology, Gram-stain and standard biochemical procedures. Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of all identified isolates. Results: The overall prevalence of bacteria-associated asymptomatic UTI was 17.5%. Escherichia coli (42.9%) was the most isolated organism followed by Staphylococcus aureus (34.3%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (11.4%), Staphylococcus saprophyticoccus (5.7%) and Proteus mirabilis 2 (5.7%). Yeast cells and Schistosoma haematobium were also recorded in 2% of the women. Isolates showed significant sensitivity to commercially prepared antibiotic discs. However, higher level of resistance was recorded with tetracycline, nitrofurantoin and nalidixic acid. Conclusion: Early screening for UTI should be done for all pregnant women and those found to be infected need to be treated with appropriate antimicrobial agents to avoid complications.