PREVALENCE OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN OF DISTRICT DERA ISMAIL KHAN KPK PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections affecting pregnant women and is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Pregnancy-related physiological and hormonal changes increase susceptibility to urinary tract infections. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of UTI among pregnant women in District Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, and to identify the common causative organisms.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at Tehsil Headquarter Hospital Prova, Biomed Diagnostic Center, and Rehmania Hospital in District Dera Ismail Khan. A total of 230 pregnant women aged 18–45 years were enrolled using simple random sampling. Midstream urine samples were collected aseptically and cultured on CLED agar, Blood agar, and MacConkey agar. Bacterial isolates were identified using standard microbiological and biochemical techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines.

Results: Among the 230 urine samples analyzed, 65 (28.3%) showed significant bacterial growth, indicating an overall UTI prevalence of 28.3%. The majority of participants belonged to the 26–35 years age group (41.7%). Escherichia coli was the predominant pathogen, accounting for 38 (58.5%) isolates, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae 13 (20.0%), Proteus mirabilis 8 (12.3%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 6 (9.2%). Most participants were recruited from Biomed Diagnostic Center (46.5%).

Conclusion: Urinary tract infection is a common health problem among pregnant women in District Dera Ismail Khan, with Escherichia coli being the most frequently isolated uropathogen. Routine antenatal screening, early diagnosis, health education regarding personal hygiene, and appropriate antimicrobial treatment are essential to reduce the burden of UTI and improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes