Abstract:

Background: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) during pregnancy are among the most common health problems affecting many women in their reproductive years. Due to several anatomical and hormonal changes, pregnant women are more susceptible to develop UTIs. UTIs have several adverse outcomes both on the woman and the fetus. However, there are limited information about UTI to pregnant women in lower health facilities.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with UTI among pregnant women attending various health facilities in Sengerema District, Mwanza, Tanzania.

Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted from April to June 2016 at Sengerema district health facilities involving pregnant women attending antenatal clinics. Mid-stream urine was collected and analyzed to identify bacterial pathogens and their anti-microbial sensitivity patterns. Data were analyzed using STATA version 11.

Results: Of 300 pregnant women enrolled, forty-eight (16.0%) had significant bacterial growth; with approximately one third being symptomatic. Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus and Escherichia coli were commonest isolates, 22 (45.8%) and 20 (41.7%) respectively. There was a high level (80-100%) of anti-bacterial resistance to the commonly used antibiotics (ampicillin and Contrimoxazole). Majority of the isolates had low resistance rates to Nitrofurantoin and ceftriaxone (0-10%).

Conclusion: The prevalence of bacteriuria among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Sengerema district is 16.0% and majority of them are asymptomatic. There was a high level of antimicrobial resistance to ampicillin and Contrimoxazole. Routine screening of UTIs should be introduced in the lower health facilities to ensure rational treatment of pregnant women with UTI.