Unravelling the diagnostic conundrum of bacteriuria in pregnancy

Background: Globally Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and its associated complications account for nearly 150 million deaths per year. It is one of the most common medical complications during pregnancy, associated with risks to both mother and fetus. This study was done to compare and estimate the effectiveness of the rapid uriscreen tests and culture in the early diagnosis of UTI, among symptomatic pregnant women to facilitate early treatment approaches. Materials and methods: Urine samples were collected from a total of 100 antenatal women and submitted for dip stick test (leukocyte esterase, nitrate reduction), direct gram stain and culture. Results: Direct gram stain was positive in 23%, leukocyte esterase (LE) was positive in 60% and nitrate reduction (NIT) was positive in 16%. Culture positive with significant bacteriuria was noted in 17 % cases, Escherichia coli (E.coli) was isolated in eight cases (47%). Conclusion: Gram stain of unspun urine can be used as a screening test in resource poor settings for early diagnosis and treatment, which will definitely reduce the maternal and neonatal complications of UTI.