Bacterial Profile and Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Urogenital Isolates Among Women With Preterm Labor at a Tertiary Hospital in Southwestern Uganda
Abstract
Background: Pathogenic bacterial colonization of the urogenital tract during pregnancy may lead to infection and inflammation, contributing to adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes such as preterm labor, preterm premature rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis, neonatal sepsis, and perinatal mortality. Early identification of bacterial isolates and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns is essential for guiding appropriate antimicrobial therapy, reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity, and informing local treatment guidelines. This study aimed to determine the bacterial isolates colonizing the urogenital tract and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns among women presenting with preterm labor at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.
Methods: This cross-sectional study consecutively enrolled 156 women with preterm labor between November 2022 and April 2023. Midstream urine samples, endocervical swabs, and high vaginal swabs were collected for bacterial culture, identification, and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Data were analyzed descriptively, and bacterial isolates and antibiotic susceptibility patterns were summarized as frequencies and percentages.
Results: Bacteria were isolated from urine samples in 43/156 (27.6%) participants and from genital tract specimens in 75/156 (48.1%). The predominant urinary isolates were Klebsiella spp. (20/43, 46.5%) and Staphylococcus aureus (16/43, 37.2%), while Escherichia coli accounted for 4/43 (9.3%) of urinary isolates. In…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 156 participants or records.
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