Main Article Content
An Appraisal of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Pregnancy-The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Experience
Abstract
Background
Obstetric care aims at reducing maternal (and perinatal) mortality and morbidity making the identification and management of related risk factors, such as asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy of paramount importance. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in the booking antenatal patients as no such data exist for this centre.
Methods
Three hundred and fifty two (352) patients attending the antenatal booking clinic who had not used any antibiotic within the last 3 months prior to presentation were recruited into the study after informed consents were obtained. Having been taught the art of urine collection, a mid-stream urine specimen was taken and immediately plated on and cultured in Cysteine-Lactose Electrolyte Deficient (CLED) media and Mac-Conkey agar1 at the medical laboratory under aerobic condition at 370C.
Results
Out of the 352 patients in the study, 31 [8.8%] were excluded from the analysis because they had symptoms relating to the urinary tract infections. Among the remaining 321 patients whose urine samples were cultured, 36 [11.2%] samples yielded significant growth of bacteria (greater than 1x105 per ml of urine). Ninety seven (97) samples yielded mixed growths of organisms of no significance while there was no growth in 188 samples. The bacterial species identification showed a preponderance of Escherichia coli (48.5%).
Discussion
The finding of a prevalence of 11.2% for asymptomatic bacteriuria in the booking antenatal patients in this study shows that attention should be given to pregnant patients to prevent sequelae such as pyelonephritis in the mother and adverse fetal outcome. The high incidence of Klebsiella species (12.3%) is a cause for concern.
Conclusion
Proper surveillance will reduce maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity.
Keywords: Asymptomatic bacteriuria, booking antenatal patients, pregnancy
Obstetric care aims at reducing maternal (and perinatal) mortality and morbidity making the identification and management of related risk factors, such as asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy of paramount importance. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in the booking antenatal patients as no such data exist for this centre.
Methods
Three hundred and fifty two (352) patients attending the antenatal booking clinic who had not used any antibiotic within the last 3 months prior to presentation were recruited into the study after informed consents were obtained. Having been taught the art of urine collection, a mid-stream urine specimen was taken and immediately plated on and cultured in Cysteine-Lactose Electrolyte Deficient (CLED) media and Mac-Conkey agar1 at the medical laboratory under aerobic condition at 370C.
Results
Out of the 352 patients in the study, 31 [8.8%] were excluded from the analysis because they had symptoms relating to the urinary tract infections. Among the remaining 321 patients whose urine samples were cultured, 36 [11.2%] samples yielded significant growth of bacteria (greater than 1x105 per ml of urine). Ninety seven (97) samples yielded mixed growths of organisms of no significance while there was no growth in 188 samples. The bacterial species identification showed a preponderance of Escherichia coli (48.5%).
Discussion
The finding of a prevalence of 11.2% for asymptomatic bacteriuria in the booking antenatal patients in this study shows that attention should be given to pregnant patients to prevent sequelae such as pyelonephritis in the mother and adverse fetal outcome. The high incidence of Klebsiella species (12.3%) is a cause for concern.
Conclusion
Proper surveillance will reduce maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity.
Keywords: Asymptomatic bacteriuria, booking antenatal patients, pregnancy
