ABSTRACT
This study aimed to define the Common UTI and incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) among 55 pregnant women attending the antenatal care clinics in primary health center in Ogoja city, Cross River State. Clean voided mid-stream urine samples were collected and cultured. Isolated bacteria were characterized by standard laboratory tests, and antibiotic sensitivity was performed by disk diffusion method. Clinically significant bacterial growth was detected in 30 (54.5%) of the samples examined. Escherichia coli was the most frequent etiological agent of UTI (50 %) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (13.3%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3.4%). The antimicrobial sensitivity analysis for E. coli, as the most commonly UTI isolated agents, to antibiotics are as follows: chloramphenicol (93.3%), gentamicin (73.3%), ampicillin (73.%), nalidixic acid (26.%), and tetracycline (2%). Our results reveal a high incidence of UTIs with highly variable pattern of antibiotic resistance. More surveillance is needed to enhance in the administration of antibiotics therapies and management of UTIs. Also, increased public educations about personal hygiene are strongly recommended to decrease the incidence of UTIs in pregnant women.
