Asymptomatic Bacteriuria Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at Akwapim North Municipality

Abstract

Introduction: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is a condition in which urine culture reveals the presence of more than 105 bacteria per millilitre but without the patient showing signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI). It is a common problem in pregnant women, which usually results in maternal and fetal complications. The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of ASB among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Akwapim North Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Methods: A cross sectional study conducted between May-July 2019 at six selected health facilities in the Municipality. Routine urine examination was performed to screen for pregnant women and random sampling method was used to select the participants. In total, 134 participants who consented were part of the study. Sterile urine containers were given with instructions in order to produce urine specimens devoid from contamination. Urine culture was performed to identify bacteria present in the urine and sensitivity testing on the isolated bacteria was done. Results: The age range of the participants was 17 years to 43 years with mean age of 29.9 years (SD ±6.3) Permission was sought from the parents of the 17 year lady. Majority of the participant were in the age range of 25 years to 34 years and all the participants had basic education. Out of the 134 sterile urine samples cultured, 11 of the participants had bacteria isolated from their urine given a prevalence of 8.2%. Escherichia coli were 63.6%, Nitrofurantoin was 81.8% sensitive to all bacteria isolated and Cotrimoxazole was the most resistant antibiotics with 72.7%. Factors associated with ASB in Akwapim North Municipality were toilet facility, multiple pregnancy and any medical condition, which were statistically significant at the bivariate analysis level. After adjusting these factors with the multiple logistics regression, only multiple pregnancy was statistically significant. Conclusion: The study revealed 8.2% prevalence of ASB among pregnant women with E. coli the predominate bacteria with 63.6%. Nitrofurantoin, 81.8% sensitive and Cotrimoxazole was the most resistant antibiotics with 72.7% .Multiple pregnancy were associated with ASB among pregnant women at Akwapim North Municipality.