ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY PROFILE OF BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CARE AT AHMED SANI YARIMAN BAKURA SPECIALIST HOSPITAL, GUSAU
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common complications during pregnancy, posing significant risks to both maternal and fetal health. This study aimed to determine the antibiotic susceptibility profile of bacteria associated with UTIs in pregnant women attending antenatal care at Ahmed Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau. A total of 100 clean-catch midstream urine samples were collected from antenatal outpatients and analyzed using standard microbiological methods. Bacterial isolation was performed on CLED agar, and isolates were identified through Gram staining and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method against a panel of antibiotics, including Gentamycin, Streptomycin, Pefloxacin, Cotrimoxazole, Amoxicillin, Ofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Chloramphenicol, Sparfloxacin, Augmentin, Erythromycin, Ceftriaxone, Cefuroxime, and Ampiclox. Structured questionnaires were also administered to asses risk factors associated with UTI occurrence. The prevalence of UTIs among participants was 17%, with the highest infection rate (17.14%) observed in women aged 21-30 years. The most frequently isolated uropathogen was Escherichia coli (47%), followed by Staphylococcus spp. (29%), Klebsiella spp. (12%), and Pseudomonas spp. (12%). Fluoroquinolones such as Ofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin showed high efficacy against the isolates, while Cotrimoxazole and Chloramphenicol exhibit reduced effectiveness. Risk factor analysis revealed that a previous history of UTI (OR = 6.48), flank pain (OR = 6.49), and burning sensation (OR = 3.31) were strongly associated with infection. Increased sexual activity and diabetes history showed moderate associations (OR = 2.36 each). The study highlights the predominance of E. coli in UTI cases and emphasizes the need for routine culture-based screening and sensitivity testing during antenatal visits. Health education, improved hygiene, adequate hydration, and appropriate antibiotic therapy are recommended to prevent complications associated with UTIs in pregnancy.
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