Prevalence and Predictors of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria among Pregnant Women Attending Primary Health Care in Qatar

Introduction: The study aims to determine the prevalence and predictors of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the primary health care centers in Qatar. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out at four primary care centers that were selected randomly; and all pregnant women attending antenatal clinic between August and November 2008 and who agreed to enter the study, were clinically evaluated to exclude signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI). After collection of demographic and medical data of the participants, and samples of 1015ml urine have been collected and cultured. Results Of the 433 pregnant women, 43 had significant bacteriuria giving a prevalence rate of 9.9%. The highest prevalence was found in the 3539 year-olds (13%). There was no significant difference in prevalence with increasing parity. The dominant bacteria isolates were E. coli (31%) and Streptococcus agalactiae (30%). Ppregnant women who have previous history of UTI are approximately 3 times more likely to develop asymptomatic bacteriuria as compared to those who have no history of UTI (OR=2.7, 95% CI=1.4-5.1). Anemia increased the risk for developing asymptomatic bacteriuria (OR=1.5, 95% CI=1.1-3.4). Conclusion The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women attending primary health care centers in Qatar is 9.9%, and the predominant organism was E. coli. The current screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at primary care should focus on anemic pregnant women and those with history of urinary tract infection.