Journal of Tropical Diseases & Public Health

Abstract

Potential Morbidity in Pregnancy Due to U.T.I. Examination of Urine in Routine Screening

D. Ramachandra Reddy, R. Prathap, Abhishek sharma and Pallavi Kashyap

Untreated bacteriuria during pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. It is cost effective to screen for bacteriuria if the prevalence rate is 2% or more. The prevalence rate in this study was 3.6%. 67% of the aetiological agents belonged to the coliform group and balance 33% were staphylococci. All isolates were sensitive to nitrofurantoin. There was no association between bacteriuria and risk factors such as gestational diabetes, past urinary tract infection, multiparity, advanced maternal age, lower education level, advanced gestational age and lower socioeconomic status. Screening of pregnant mothers is reported to be cost effective if the prevalence rates are ≥2%. It is recommended to screen pregnant mothers early in their pregnancy and treat those with significant bacteriuria as this could significantly minimize adverse maternal and foetal outcomes.