Background: Asymptomatic bacteriuria characterised by presence of 105 or more colony forming bacteria per ml of urine in a person without any clinical finding. Different researches have reported the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy to range from 2-11%. Untreated asymptomatic bacteriuria can lead to adverse maternal complications like pyelonephritis, cystitis, hypertension, preeclampsia, anaemia and preterm labour; and foetal complications like IUGR, prematurity, low birth weight and even death. Hence it’s study is very essential to reduce the complication and to improve feto-maternal outcome.
Aims and objectives: To find out the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among the pregnant women attending a tertiary health care centre.
Materials and Methods: This hospital based “cross-sectional” study was carried out in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and in the department of Microbiology of Midnapore Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal for a duration of one year (1st October 2022 to 30th September 2023). Total 125 pregnant women were considered for the study after fulfilling the eligibility criteria. A data collection tool was used to gather various pieces of information. All data were collected and summarized in tables and figures. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS).Patients were studied for the following out comes: without complications or with complication like, Pyelonephritis, PPH, Low birth weight, IUGR, PROM, IUFD and Foetal distress.
Results: This study investigated asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in 125 pregnant women, finding a prevalence of 10.4%. The majority of patients (69) were aged 20-29, with the highest ASB rate (46%) in this age group. Lower socioeconomic status, rural residence, and education below secondary level were associated with higher ASB rates. Escherichia coli (76.9%) and Klebsiella (15.38%) were the most common causative organisms, with 70% sensitivity to ampicillin. ASB was associated with anaemia (38.4%), proteinuria (46.15%), pyuria, pre-eclampsia, preterm deliveries, low-birth-weight infants, and IUGR infants. Antibiotic treatment was effective, but the difference in operative deliveries between bacteriuria and non-bacteriuria groups was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Asymptomatic Bacteriuria (ASB) is a common bacterial infection affecting 10.4% of pregnancies. If left untreated, ASB can lead to severe maternal and fetal complications. Risk factors include first-time pregnancy, UTI history, anaemia, and high BMI. Early detection and treatment with antibiotics are crucial to prevent adverse outcomes. Screening is recommended before conception or in the first trimester.
International Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Indexed in Index Copernicus
