Prevalence, bacteriological profile and antibiogram of urinary tract infections among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at zanana hospital of jhalawar medical college, Jhalawar, Rajasthan

Background and Objective: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) during pregnancy pose significant risks to maternal and fetal health. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, bacteriological profile, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of both asymptomatic and symptomatic UTIs among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at Zanana Hospital, Jhalawar Medical College. Method: From September 2023 to August 2024, a prospective study was conducted involving 1119 pregnant women. Urine samples were collected and analyzed for bacteriuria. Cultures were performed on blood agar, MacConkey agar, and other selective media. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Results: Of the 1119 women screened, 294 (26.27%) had bacteriuria. Symptomatic women had a higher prevalence (74.69%) compared to asymptomatic women (12.98%). Bacteriuria was more common in older age groups, multigravida women, and in the third trimester. The most common pathogen was Escherichia coli (41.5%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Multidrug-resistant strains were found in 41.5% of cases, with significant resistance to cephalosporins. Conclusion: Routine screening for significant bacteriuria in pregnant women is essential, regardless of symptoms, due to the high prevalence and risk of severe complications. The predominance of multidrug-resistant E. coli underscores the need for localized antibiotic susceptibility testing to guide effective treatment and minimize resistance risks. Continued monitoring and tailored antibiotic use are crucial for improving maternal and fetal outcomes.