Authors : Prasanna Nakate, Prasanna Nakate, Yogendra Shelke, Yogendra Shelke, Snehal Patil, Snehal Patil, Suvarna Patil, Suvarna Patil, Vasant Kavade, Vasant Kavade
DOI : 10.18231/2394-5478.2019.0018
Volume : 6
Issue : 1
Year : 2019
Page No : 89-91
Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the common infections during pregnancy. If not treated, these can cause serious complications to both mother and foetus. This study was carried to determine the prevalence of UTI in pregnant women and to identify the common uropathogens causing UTI.
Materials and Methods: Midstream urine specimens were collected from 180 pregnant females. The specimens were examined microscopically and by culture. A colony count of 105 CFU/ml of urine of a single uropathogenic bacterium in culture is considered significant and such patients, either symptomatic or asymptomatic, are considered to have a urinary tract infection.
Results: Urine specimens of 33 females (18.33%), all of whom were asymptomatic, showed significant growth of uropathogenic organisms confirming the diagnosis of UTI. The commonest pathogen isolated was E. coli (54.55%), followed by Klebsiella species (24.24%), S. aureus (12.12%), Pseudomonas spp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and C. albicans (3.03% each).
Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of UTI in pregnancy was found to be 18.33%. As most of these cases present without any symptom, its early detection by screening for it with appropriate laboratory tests is vital. This would help clinicians to start appropriate antibiotic treatment at an early stage which in turn will help to minimize complications associated with UTI.
Keywords: Urinary tract infections, Asymptomatic bacteriuria, Pregnancy, Cystitis, Pyelonephritis.