Authors : Abdulsalam Mala Yakubu; Adamu Tential Salihu; Muhammad Lawan Wasaram; Alhaji Bukar Baba Shehu; Umar Jiddum Jidda

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 12 - December

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/pry95t2d

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25dec521

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Abstract : Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent a major clinical concern during pregnancy, posing substantial risks to maternal and fetal health, including preterm delivery and renal complications. This study was conducted at the antenatal clinic of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) with the primary objectives of determining the prevalence of bacterial uropathogens, elucidating their antibiotic susceptibility profiles, and identifying associated risk factors among pregnant women. A cross-sectional study design was employed, enrolling fifty pregnant women. Clean-catch mid-stream urine samples were collected and processed using standard microbiological culture techniques on cysteine-lactose-electrolyte-deficient (CLED) and MacConkey agar. Bacterial isolates were identified via colonial morphology, Gram staining, and biochemical tests. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used for antibiotic susceptibility testing against a panel of commonly prescribed antimicrobials. Demographic and clinical data were obtained through structured questionnaires to assess risk factors. Laboratory analysis identified Klebsiella species as the predominant isolate, followed by Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas species. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed alarming resistance patterns among the Enterobacteriaceae. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. exhibited high resistance rates to ampicillin, cefotaxime, and ciprofloxacin. In contrast, carbapenems (imipenem and meropenem) demonstrated excellent efficacy against all Gram-negative isolates. Statistical analysis of risk factors identified poor perineal hygiene, a history of recurrent UTIs, and frequent urinary catheterization as significant contributors. Furthermore, advanced maternal age (over 30 years) and the presence of comorbidities like diabetes mellitus and hypertension were associated with a higher incidence of infection. These findings underscore the critical need for routine screening and culture-guided antimicrobial therapy for pregnant women presenting with UTI symptoms. The high prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens highlights a pressing public health issue, necessitating robust antibiotic stewardship programs within antenatal care. Preventive strategies should integrate patient education on hygiene, judicious use of urinary catheters, and enhanced management of underlying conditions. Future research focused on longitudinal surveillance of resistance trends and exploring alternative therapeutic agents is essential to mitigate the impact of antimicrobial resistance in this vulnerable population.

Keywords : Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), Pregnant Women, Antibiotic Susceptibility, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Klebsiella species, Staphylococcus aureus, Nigeria, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).

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