Isolated Bacterial Uropathogens among Pregnant Women Diagnosed with Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Harare, Zimbabwe

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify bacterial uropathogens responsible for asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women registering for antenatal care at selected clinics in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Study Design: A cross sectional study design was conducted at 4 selected primary health care centres in Harare in Zimbabwe. The study period stretched for 18 weeks from 23 March to 27 June 2017.

Methodology: Mid- stream urine samples for 240 pregnant women registering and visiting 4 selected clinics for antenatal care were examined for asymptomatic bacteriuria. Griess nitrate test was used to screen the samples. All samples that grew significant bacteriuria were further tested by culture test. Uropathogens isolated from urine samples which had significant growth were identified by using morphology, gram stain and several biochemical tests.

Results: Out of 240 urine samples examined, 34 were significant for asymptomatic bacteriuria. Ten bacteria strains were identified. Coagulase negative staphylococcus was the most popular (29.4%) followed by Escherichia coli (23.5%). The identified species also included staphylococcus aureus (11.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (8.8%), and Bacillus (8.8%).

Conclusion: A variety of bacterial uropathogens both gram negative and gram positive, are responsible for asymptomatic bacteriuria. Coagulase negative staphylococcus was the most commonly identified bacteria followed by Escherichia coli.