Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility profile and predictors of asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women in Adigrat General Hospital, Northern Ethiopia

OBJECTIVE: Approach to asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women in Ethiopia is mainly based on clinical grounds and urine strip and microscopy tests. On top of this, the treatment is also on an empirical basis which may leads to an increased antimicrobial resistance. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility profile and associated factors of asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Adigrat Hospital, Northern Ethiopia. RESULTS: Out of 259 pregnant women included in the study, the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was at 55 (21.2%). Gram negative bacteria, specifically Escherichia coli were the predominant isolates followed by Klebsiella species and Proteus mirabilis. Of the Gram positive identified bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus was main isolate. Age of the mother (18–25 years old) with [AOR = 8.5, 95% CI (2.2, 32.9)], family income (< 1000 ETB) with [AOR = 7.5, 95% CI = (2.4, 23.1)] and gestational period at 1st trimester [AOR = 11.9, 95% CI (4.4, 32.4)] and 2nd trimester [AOR; 5.6, 95% CI (2.0, 15.5%)] were predictors significantly associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria. All Gram negative isolates were found 100% resistance to Ampicllin. Moreover, all Gram positive isolates were found sensitive to Vancomycin at 100%.