Rising trends of urinary infections among pregnant women: Insights from a Portuguese hospital (2018–2022)

Rodrigues, Francisco; Patricia Coelho; Mateus, Sónia; Eideh, Hatem; Gonçalves, Teresa; Caseiro, Armando; Castelo Branco, Miguel

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.11/10300

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Authors

Castelo Branco, Miguel

Abstract(s)

This study explores the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pregnant women in central Portugal. A retrospective observational study was conducted on 201 positive urine cultures from pregnant women at a hospital center between January 2018 and December 2022. The data collected included age, hospital admission source, history of antibiotic therapy, catheterization status, identity of bacterial isolates, and their antibiotic profile. The most common bacterial strains were Escherichia coli (52.4%) and Streptococcus agalactiae (16.9%). In terms of antibiotic resistance, Escherichia coli demonstrated complete sensitivity to ertapenem, while Streptococcus agalactiae showed sensitivity to four antibiotics, including trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Notably, most infections occurred in the third trimester, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring throughout pregnancy. This study emphasizes the importance of tailored treatment strategies to manage UTIs in pregnancy effectively, reducing the potential maternal and fetal complications. These findings contribute to regional data on UTI management in pregnant populations and aim to support improved healthcare practices. These regional data provide a solid foundation for optimizing healthcare practices in pregnant women, suggesting targeted approaches to combat antibiotic resistance and improve maternal–fetal safety during UTI treatment.

Description

This work was approved by the Ethics Committee and the Data Protection Officer of the University of Beira Interior, and all ethical precepts were scrupulously respected by the researchers. Informed consent was waived, given the retrospective nature and the fact that no user-identifying data were used.

Keywords

Urinary tract infections Pregnancy Antibiotic resistance Escherichia coli Streptococcus agalactiae Maternal health

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.11/10300

Citation

RODRIGUES, F. [et al.] (2025) - Rising trends of urinary infections among pregnant women: Insights from a Portuguese hospital (2018–2022). Bacteria. Vol. 4, n. 10. DOI: 10.3390/bacteria4010010