The prevalence of urinary tract infections among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Ujoelen primary health care centre, Ekpoma, Edo state, Nigeria.

Abstract

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common problem amongst pregnant women. This study assesses the prevalence of urinary tract infection in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at a primary health care center in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 200 early morning midstream urine samples were collected aseptically from apparently healthy pregnant women during the three trimesters of pregnancy. The samples were examined macroscopically and microscopically for evidence of infection and then cultured on blood agar, MacConkey agar and cystein lactose electrolyte deficient agar for significant bacterial growth. Results showed a significant bacterial infection rate of 85% (170) with Escherichia coli (30%), Staphyloccus aureus (20%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (18.2%), Staphyloccus saprophytics (28%), Proteus mirabilis (10.6%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (4.7%). Indeed, the observed high prevalence of UTIs amongst the pregnant women under study was a threat to their health and wellbeing, and an indication of poor public health enlightenment and management by health care givers. Hence, proper public enlightenment campaign on the control and prevention of the UTI’s is necessary, with appropriate laboratory diagnosis and treatment schedule.

KeyWords: Prevalence, urine, pregnancy women, Urinary tract infection, Escherichia coli.