Bacteriuria following vaginal delivery

ABSTRACT

Freshly voided midstream urine specimens from 100 females during the first stage of normal labor, 24 hours postpartum and 2 weeks after delivery were seeded on blood agar plates aerobically and Mac Konkey's plates. Bacteriuria was found in 7% during the first stage of labor and was recently acquired in 4.3% and 9.4% 24 hours and 2 weeks postpartum, respectively. Though E. coli was the most common causing organism B-hemolytic Streptococci, Staphylococci and Klebsiella were also present. Maternal age and parity had insignificant effect on bacteriuria, while there was increased incidence of bacteriuria if premature rupture membrane, prolonged labor or perineal tears happened. Postpartum bacteriuria should be routinely assessed and treated to prevent the dangerous sequel of long st and ing urinary tract infection