ASYMPTOMATIC URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN A NIGERIAN REFERRAL HOSPITAL

Pregnancy associated urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common health problems, especially in developing countries, including Nigeria. It has several adverse outcomes both on the mother and fetus. This prospective study was designed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with UTI among women attending antenatal clinic in a Nigerian Navy Hospital, Calabar. A total of 120 pregnant women were enrolled for this study after obtaining an informed consent from them. Data on demography and patients history were collected through a predesigned questionnaire. Standard bacteriological techniques were used for culture, microscopy and susceptibility testing of the urine samples. Subjects were recruited over a period of three months from December, 2014 to February, 2015. The prevalence of bacteriuria among pregnant women was 22.5%. The infection rates (40.0%) peaked at age 40-44 years. There was a statistically significant effect of age on infection rates (χ2 = 43.3, p = 0.01). Escherichia coli was the most prevalent bacterial pathogen (40.7%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (22.2%). Bacterial isolates were most susceptible to Ciprofloxacin. Health education by Nurses has a positive impact on the infection rates among subjects. Routine urine culture should be recommended for all pregnant women attending antenatal clinics to avoid the adverse outcome of asymptomatic urinary tract infections to mother and fetus.