Abstract: Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common during pregnancy, especially in developing countries, due to the colonization of microorganisms in the urinary tract. They affect around 405 million people globally, and pregnant women are particularly susceptible due to physiological changes. UTIs can be symptomatic or asymptomatic, with the latter posing risks if untreated. Common pathogens include Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, and Pseudomonas. Untreated UTIs can lead to severe maternal and fetal complications.
Aim of the study: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of UTIs during pregnancy and to assess their impact on maternal health and perinatal outcomes.
Methods: A prospective observational study was done at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. In this study 126 pregnant women were studied in one year. Inclusion criteria included pregnant women aged 18-39 years with at least one positive urine culture report. Exclusion criteria were medical disorders, previous adverse pregnancy outcomes, and lack of consent. Informed consent was obtained, followed by history, physical exams, and lab tests, including urine analysis in each trimester. Positive urine tests (>5 pus cells/HPF) led to culture and sensitivity testing. Symptomatic UTIs had urinary symptoms; asymptomatic UTIs did not. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26, with results displayed in tables and graphs for clear interpretation.
Result: The study involved 126 pregnant women, predominantly aged 18-25 years (62.70%). Primigravida women constituted 56.35% of the sample. Most were in their second trimester (60.32%). Asymptomatic UTIs were diagnosed in 65.08% of the women, while 34.92% had symptomatic UTIs. Pus cell counts ranged from 6-10/hpf in 56.35% of patients and 11-20/hpf in 43.65%. UTIs were most prevalent in winter (58.73%). E. coli was the leading causative organism (38.71%). Anaemia (25.40%) and puerperal pyrexia (23.02%) were common maternal complications. Preterm birth was the most frequent fetal outcome (34.92%).
Conclusion: The study found that UTIs during pregnancy significantly affect maternal and perinatal outcomes, especially among women aged 18-25years and primigravid women. Asymptomatic UTIs were more common, with E. coli being the primary cause. Major maternal complications included anemia and puerperal pyrexia, while preterm birth was the most frequent fetal complication.
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