Risk Factors during Pregnancy for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria

Introduction: Asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy (ABU) is poorly understood and neglected in developing countries. It causes certain lethal maternal and fetal consequences if left untreated including low weighted births, premature delivery, full-blown urinary tract infection and pyelonephritis.

Objective: Our aim was to explore such factors having bad impact on pregnancy associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria and aware our community about these unspoken perils so that ABU likelihood may be reduced. Prevalence varies country to country. Developing and low economic countries are suffered more than developed so thereby upgrading and providing basic amenities of life the risk factors may be reduced.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study carried out in department of pathology PUMHSW. Sample size was 377, all selected were 18 years and above. All urinary samples were collected in sterile container and labeled and immediately transported to microbiology laboratory. Dipstick test, wet mount microscopy and Gram's staining were done. Blood, MacConkey's agar was inoculated and streaked with inoculi. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.

Results: Samples found unlabeled (02) and contaminated (03) were dropped from study. A total of 372 were study samples. The most of patients were Gram negative 65(90.20%) predominantly Enterobacteriocae. When cultured, 72 were found growth positive (mixed plus pure) while 300 were negative. Risk factors were assayed in culture positive patients (ABU). A large number of patients (74%) belonged to lower economic class. Most common age group varied from 26-30 years (43%). Third trimester was the most common found in 37 patients ((49.3%). Gravid (G3 or more) were strong risk factors and were 55(73.3%). Most of patients were illiterate 65 (90.27%). The past history of UTI was a significant risk 46(63.88%) while anemia was found statistically insignificant 17(23.61).

Conclusion: Asymptomatic bacteriuria is frequent in pregnant females and significantly increased when compounded by past history of UTI and low socioeconomic status. Therefore, it is necessary for mothers to be screened for ABU. There is a need of rapid and reliable screening methods so that upcoming disease burden can be reduced.