Prevalence of Uropathogenic Species in Pregnant Women at Pathology Laboratory in Harare, Zimbabwe 2023.

Abstract

Urinary tract infections are a prevalent health issue among pregnant women, affecting approximately 2% to 10% of this population globally. The physiological changes during pregnancy, such as increased urinary stasis and altered immune responses, contribute to the heightened risk of UTIs. At Pathology laboratory in January 2023, 2 in 10 pregnant women were isolated of different uropathogenic species by December 2023 the number had increased to 6 in 10 pregnant women. This study was a census which allowed the assessment of prevalent uropathogenic species, particularly uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), among pregnant women at Pathology Laboratory in 2023. Data was collected from electronic medical records, focusing on positive urine culture results and antibiotic susceptibility profiles. The study included pregnant women aged 18 and older with confirmed urinary tract infections (UTIs) during the period January 2023 to December 2023. Data revealed a concerning rise in antimicrobial resistance to a commonly prescribed antibiotic Ampicillin. Descriptive statistics were used to assess prevalence and resistance trends, highlighting that E. coli remained the dominant pathogen accounting 65.3% of isolates obtained. Yeasts accounted for 45% of isolates being the second highest isolate obtained. Cotrimoxazole, Nitrofurantoin and Ciprofloxacin were effective against gram negative uropathogens throughout the year of 2023. This showed that E. coli and yeast infections are highly susceptible in pregnant women and should be managed and treated immediately to reduce risk of serious maternal and foetal complications, such as pyelonephritis and preterm labour. Antibiotics such as Ampicillin showed that there are no longer effective for treatment and administering them should be halted. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent procedures were followed to ensure compliance with research standards.