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Asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy in Sokoto, Nigeria


JA Oyetunji
Y Ahmed
EI Nwobodo
LR Airede
BA Ekele

Abstract

Aims/Objectives: Prior to this time there has been no study on asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. The objective of this study, therefore, was to determine the incidence and common organisms (and their sensitivity patterns) associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy among booked patients at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.

Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional, semi-quantitative screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria was carried out at the antenatal booking clinic in randomly selected patients. Mid-stream urine specimen was collected in sterile bottle using the clean-catch technique. Microscopy, culture and sensitivity test were performed.

Results: 300 women were studied and 24 clinical specimens showed significant bacteriuria on two occasions, representing an incidence of 8.0%. The incidence was highest in the mid-trimester, 9.7%; among the para 2, 11.6% and the Para 3, 12.5%. Escherichia coli constituted the commonest cultured organism, 8(33.3%). Other organisms were Klebsiella spp, 25.0%, Colliform spp, 25.0%, Proteus spp, 8.3% and Staphylococcus aureus 8.3%. On the average, the sensitivities of the organisms were: nitrofurantoin, 75%, gentamicin, 75%, ofloxacin, 66.7%, augmentin, 66.7%, nalidixic acid, 50%, cotrimoxazole, 41.7% and tetracycline, 25.0%. All the organisms were resistant to ampicillin. One of the patients developed pyelonephritis before the commencement of treatment. Cure rate after the first course of treatment was 87.5% and 100% following a second course.

Conclusion: This study revealed that the incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy was 8.0% at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, which was mainly caused by Eschericha coli, Klebsiella spp and Coliform spp. These pathogens were shown to be sensitive to nitrofurantoin and gentamicin both of which are easily available and affordable. Routine screening of pregnant women for asymptomatic bacteriuria is hereby recommended.

Sahel Medical Journal Vol. 9(1) 2006: 1-6

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