Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Biography

Biography: Diana Chebet

Abstract

Symptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy is associated with preterm delivery, intrauterine growth retardation, low birth weight, maternal hypertension, pre-eclampsia and anaemia. Acute pyelonephritis can lead to maternal sepsis which can kill or disable a mother.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation:

Midstream urine samples (after careful washing) were collected at random from pregnant mothers.

Microscopic examination of urine was performed to detect patients with significant bacteriuria

  Findings:

The main causative agent involved in recurrent UTI during pregnancy is E.coli. This pathogen accounts for approximately 85% of all cases. Other significant pathogens are Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Klebsiella pneumonia accounting to approximately 3% of all cases of acute cystitis

Conclusion & Significance:

Women with recurrent urinary tract infection associated with sexual intercourse should be offered post –     coital prophylaxis as an alternative to continuous treatment to minimize cost and side effects. All pregnant women should be screened for UTI’s and Escherichia coli in particular, in all the trimesters.

Antibiotics should be administered once a case has been detected and patients advised to be compliant to the medication.