The Demographic Characteristics and Susceptibility Profiles of Proteus Mirabilis and Escherichia Coli Isolates from Urine Samples of Asymptomatic Pregnant Women within Ilorin Metropolis

Abstract

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most prevalent infections among pregnant women which can have major consequences if left untreated. This study was aimed at determining the demographics and susceptibility profile of Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli isolates among asymptomatic pregnant women attending three ante-natal clinics within Ilorin, Nigeria. A total of 120 pregnant women between the ages of 17and 50 years attending ante-natal clinics in selected hospitals in Ilorin participated in the study. Clean catch mid-stream urine samples were collected and cultured on Blood and Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar plates, incubated aerobically at 37 °C for 24 hours. The presence of significant bacteriuria (> 10⁵cfu/mL)) was determined using the plate count method. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique. Of the120 urine samples collected, 45% of them were found positive on culture. Proteus mirabilis was the most prevalent isolated organism (57%). Isolated bacteria were resistant to at least one antibiotic with the high resistance rate of 94.4% to ceftriaxone, 91% to cefepime, 83.3% to cefotaxime, 85.2% to ceftazidime, and 72.2% to levofloxacin. Imipenem 31.5% and tobramycin 29.6% have the lowest rate of bacterial resistance. Of the isolates, 98.1% showed Multi-Antibiotic Resistance Index (MARI ≥ 0.3). High prevalence of bacteriuria in asymptomatic pregnant women was observed in the study areas. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of UTI during pregnancy can ensure safety of the

mother and child, likewise reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance.