INVESTIGATION OF THE OCCURRENCE AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE OF GRAM – NEGATIVE BACTERIA CAUSING URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN AT PRINCESS CHRISTIAN MATERNITY HOSPITAL IN FREETOWN SIERRA LEONE

Abstract

Background: The urinary tract is a common site for infections, particularly among pregnant women, due to physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. These alterations predispose them to infections. This study investigated the prevalence and susceptibility pattern of Gram-negative bacteria associated with urinary tract infections among pregnant women. Method: A cross–sectional in vitro experimental study conducted among pregnant women who attended antenatal clinic at the Princess Christian Maternity (PCMH) Hospital. Participant’s information was captured using structured questionnaire. A total of 154 clean-catch midstream urine samples were collected and cultured at the microbiology laboratory of the same hospital. Susceptibility tests using the Vitek 2 compact automated system were used Result: The prevalence of urinary tract infections among pregnant women was 27.9%. Infection was most prevalent among the age range of 16-20 years. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter baumanni, Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli were the microorganisms identified. However, Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the predominant Gram-negative microorganism isolated in this study as it accounted for 50% of the total microbes. All the isolates were resistant to ampicillin. The most common isolate was highly susceptible to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin ceftriaxone and ceftazidine. Conclusion: This study recorded high prevalence of urinary tract infections among pregnant women. E. coli was the most prevalent Gram-negative microorganism isolated and all the organisms were resistant to ampicillin.