Asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy: assessment of frequency and risk factors

ABSTRACT

To determine the frequency and risk factors of asymptomatic bacteriuria during pregnancy. Hospital based cross sectional study. This study was undertaken at outpatient department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Jinnah Medical College Hospital Karachi from May 1, 2008 till September 30, 2008. Two hundred pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study after informed consent and evaluated for bacteriuria. Data collected was analyzed utilizing statistical programme for social sciences [SPSS] version 10. Out of Two hundred antenatal mothers screened, 12 had significant bacteriuria giving frequency of 6%. Out of them 3 [7.8%] patients were below 20 years, 7[5.78%] were between 20 and 30 years and 2 [4.87%] women were aged above 30 years [p=0.842]. Regarding parity 3[4%] primigravida and 9[7.2%] multigravida had asymptomatic bacteriuria [p=0.275]. It was observed that prevalence was highest, 9% in lower socioeconomic class as compared to 2.24% in lower middle and upper middle class. The difference was found to be statistically significant [p=0.041].Regarding education status 10.97% of women were uneducated and only 2.54% were educated [p=0.016]. The study revealed high incidence in [58.33%] in women with previous history of urinary tract infection [p=0.000]. The frequency of asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women was 6%. It was associated with lower socioeconomic status, illiteracy and past history of urinary tract infection