Prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria and associated risk factors among antenatal patients attending a tertiary care hospital

Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is the commonest bacterial infection which requires medical treatment in pregnancy. Untreated ASB in 25-30% of can cases lead to pyelonephritis which may lead to increased risk of abortions, intrauterine fetal deaths, prematurity and low birth weight. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Gandhi Hospital over a period of ten months with 125 asymptomatic pregnant women in the age group of 15-35 years. The objectives of the study were to determine prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria, to identify its risk factors and to compare the screening methods. Of the 125 pregnant women, significant bacteriuria was seen in 21 (16%). The prevalence of bacteriuria showed a rise with increasing maternal age and increasing gestational period. Anemics and hypertensives were at greater risk. The most common isolates were Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus (28% each). Culture proved to be the gold standard for diagnosis. Catalase and Nitrate reduction tests were used as screening methods with a sensitivity of 90.48% and 71.43% respectively. Multiple drug resistance was observed in Gram-positive and Gram-negative isolates. Routine screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria is therefore recommended throughout pregnancy to avoid adverse fetal and maternal outcomes.