An Assessment of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria during Pregnancy and Antimicrobial Resistance to its Common Bacterial Isolates in the Urine

Abstract

Background: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is common in pregnant women and can result in major consequences such as preterm labor and low birth weight. However, its identification is frequently neglected, and the rising frequency of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) complicates its treatment. This study examined the prevalence of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria and antimicrobial resistance trends in urinary pathogens in pregnant women who visit antenatal clinics.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Ali Fatima Hospital, Lahore, over six months. A self-designed questionnaire was used for data collection, with non-probability random sampling. One hundred and fifteen pregnant women were enrolled. Urine samples were grown to identify bacterial infections, and an antibiotic susceptibility test was carried out using standard microbiological techniques.

Results: The study found that 12.2% of pregnant women had ASB, with Escherichia coli (40.0%) followed by Klebsiella spp. (22.6%) being the most common pathogens. Antibiotic resistance was high, with Ampicillin showing 32.2% resistance, while Nitrofurantoin and Fosfomycin showed higher sensitivity. Age, education, and gestational age were all significantly associated with ASB prevalence.

Conclusion: Asymptomatic Bacteriuria is common in pregnant women, and there is high antibiotic resistance. E. coli was discovered as the most common pathogen that was resistant to ampicillin. The major indicators for ASB included a history of the trimester, parity, education, and low socioeconomic position.