Corelation of Significant Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Pregnancy with Preterm Labour

Introduction: There is a correlation between asymptomatic bacteriuria and adverse pregnancy outcomes like increased risk of preterm labour. As asymptomatic bacteriuria is detectable and treatable, screening during pregnancy may be justified. It provides obstetrician an opportunity to prevent a significant complication of pregnancy. Objective to study the risk of preterm labour in pregnant women with significant asymptomatic bacteriuria and prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in antenatal women. Material and methods: A total of one thousand pregnant patients were screened for symptomatic bacteriuria by using two rapid reagent strip tests and urine culture. One hundred twenty six screened positive for asymptomatic bacteriuria among whom one hundred patients with single positive urine culture were taken as cases. Out of those screened negative, one hundred patients were randomly selected and followed as controls. Results: Our study reflects a definite corelation of asymptomatic bacteriuria with preterm labour. The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was 12.6%. There is a positive corelation of asymptomatic bacteriuria with lower socioeconomic status and lower hemoglobin levels.