Asymptomatic Bacteriuria and Its Determinants Among Pregnant Women In Rural Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Background:  The occurrence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy has been associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.

Objective: This study determined the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria and its determinants among pregnant women in rural Southwestern Nigeria.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2021 and May 2023 among 400 pregnant women with no signs or symptoms of urinary tract infection. Demographic and clinical data were collected using structured questionnaires. Mid-urine samples were cultured using standard laboratory procedures. Bacterial colonies were isolated, and antimicrobial sensitivity was measured using the disc diffusion technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. The determinants of asymptomatic bacteriuria were measured using odds ratio and 95% confidence Interval (CI) with significant level ( p-value <0.05).

Results: The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was 24.0% (95% CI = 18.2% - 30.5%).  The determinants of asymptomatic bacteriuria were the absence of post-coital urination (AOR, 4.433; 95%CI: 1.462-7.116), diabetes mellitus (AOR, 2.468; 95% CI: 1.300 – 4.684), and anaemia (AOR, 2.699; 95%CI: 1.042 – 6.729). The most detected asymptomatic bacteriuria was E. coli 52/96 (54.2%).  The cultured isolates were 100.0% sensitive to ceftriaxone and ceftazidine but were 100.0% resistant to ampicillin and erythromycin.

Conclusion: Based on the urine culture and sensitivity results, the study suggests using ceftriaxone or ceftazidine as an empirical treatment for asymptomatic bacteriuria.