ASYMPTOMATIC URINARY TRACT INFECTION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN RECEIVING ANTE-NATAL CARE IN A TRADITIONAL BIRTH HOME IN BENIN CITY, NIGERIA

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A good proportion of pregnant women patronize traditional birth homes in Nigeria forante-natal care. This study aimed at determining the prevalence, risk factors, and susceptibility profile ofetiologic agents of urinary tract infection among ante-natal attendees in a traditional birth home inBenin City, Nigeria.METHODS: Clean-catch urine was collected from 220 pregnant women attending a traditional birthhome in Benin City, Nigeria. Urine samples were processed, and microbial isolates identified usingstandard bacteriological procedures. A cross-sectional study design was used.RESULTS: The prevalence of urinary tract infection among pregnant women was 55.0%, significantlyaffected by parity and gestational age (P<0.05). Mixed infection was recorded among 13(10.7%)pregnant women, and was unaffected by maternal age, parity, gravidity, gestational age, and educationalstatus. Irrespective of trimester Escherichia coli was the most prevalent etiologic agent of urinary tractinfection, followed by Staphylococcus aureus. The flouroquinolones were the most effective antibacterialagents, while Sulphamethoxazole-trimetoprim, Amoxicillin, Nalidixic acid, and Nitrofurantoin had pooractivity against uropathogens isolated.CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of urinary tract infection among pregnant women was 55.0% andsignificantly affected by gestational age and parity. The most prevalent etiologic agent observed wasEscherichia coli. With the exception of the flouroquinolones, aminoglycoside, and Amoxicillin-cluvanate, the activity of other antibiotics used on uropathogens were poor. Health education of thetraditional birth attendant and her clients by relevant intervention agencies is strongly advocated.