Clinico-microbiological Profile and Outcomes of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Pregnancy

Background: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) during pregnancy can lead to symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI), with increased fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the incidence, clinical and microbiological profile, and outcome of ASB in pregnant women attending our antenatal clinic. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 3769 pregnant women in a routine antenatal clinic at a tertiary care center. Participants were divided into two groups, ASB and non-bacteriuria. Data were collected in a standard proforma and analyzed using the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) v. 20. Results: The incidence of ASB was 3.29% (124/3769). Majority of the women were in the age group of 21-30 years (78.76%, n = 89). Escherichia coli (61.06%) was the most common organism isolated. Maternal anemia (30.08% and 2.93% in the ASB and non-bacteriuria groups, respectively), low birth weight (LBW; 42.5% and 27.98% in the ASB and non-bacteriuria groups, respectively), intrauterine death (4.4% and 1.4% in the ASB and non-bacteriuria groups, respectively), and preterm delivery (37.2% and 22.31% in the ASB and non-bacteriuria groups, respectively) were were associated with ASB ( P = 0.001). Conclusion: ASB was associated with maternal anemia, preterm delivery, intrauterine death, and LBW. Early detection and treatment of ASB may result in favorable maternal outcome.