Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in pregnant women in Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The main goal of detecting and treating asymptomatic bacteriuria(ASB) in pregnant women is to prevent urinary tract infection(UTI) and its consequences. The value and cost effectiveness of routine screening for ASB in pregnancy is controversial. However, it is agreed that it is worthwhile in populations with high incidence of ASB in pregnancy.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence, demographic and microbiological characteristics of ASB in pregnancy among booked antenatal patients in Enugu.

Study Design, Setting and Subjects: This is a prospective study covering nine months and involving all consenting patients booked at the antenatal clinic of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu. Questionnaires were used to collect information from the patients and their urine samples examined.

Results: 430 women who had no symptoms of urinary tract infection in pregnancy were screened for ASB. 15.1% of them had ASB in pregnancy. 18.3% of them were in the second trimester. 64.6% of patients with ASB had normal urinalysis Escherichia coli was the commonest pathogen isolated (30.8%). The antibiotic with the highest sensitivity was nitrofurantoin.

Conclusion: The prevalence of ASB in our locality is high (15%). We recommend the use of urine culture to routinely screen all pregnant women at their first prenatal visit.

Keywords: asymptomatic bacteriuria, pregnancy, urine culture

Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vol. 23(1) 2006: 12-13