Microbiological and Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern Among Pregnant Women in The Sultanate of Oman: Comparison Between Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Bacteriuria

Bacteriuria is common in pregnancy and is associated with the risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality. In Oman, no studies have been done to determine the percentage of symptomatic and asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant Omani patients. This study investigated the prevalence and incidence of antibiotic resistance patterns of symptomatic and asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant Omani women. A total of 230 urine samples were collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnant Omani female patients. Clinical patient information was gathered from the Hospital Information System (HIS). Bacterial pathogens were identified in the urine samples using microscopic examination, cultures, and serological techniques. Antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed on the isolated bacterial pathogensBacteriuria was found in 14 (6.08%) of the 230 urine samples. Among the 14 bacteriuria-positive samples, 6 were symptomatic (2.06%) and 8 were asymptomatic (3.47%). The most common bacteria were Escherichia coli (35.71%) and Streptococcus agalactiae (21.43%). Most of the clinical isolates were completely resistant to ampicillin. Asymptomatic bacteriuria was more common than symptomatic bacteriuria in the pregnant Omani population. The detection of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria, especially in asymptomatic pregnant Omani women, underscores the importance of implementing strict guidelines for the prevention of this public health issue. This includes advising and encouraging pregnant women to follow strict hygiene protocols to avoid Urinary tract infection (UTI) during pregnancy, as this type of infection may have adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.