# Bacteriuria profile and antimicrobial sensitivity among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Jazan and Sabyia general hospitals, Jazan Region, KSA: A cross‐sectional study

## TL;DR

This study found that nearly 1 in 5 pregnant women in Saudi Arabia's Jazan Region had bacteria in their urine, with E. coli being the most common, and highlights the need for screening and proper antibiotic use.

## Contribution

The study provides region-specific data on bacteriuria prevalence, associated risk factors, and antimicrobial resistance patterns among pregnant women in the Jazan Region of Saudi Arabia.

## Key findings

- 19% of pregnant women had bacteriuria, with Escherichia coli as the most common organism (39.2%).
- Antimicrobial sensitivity was highest for cefuroxime and vancomycin, lowest for erythromycin and penicillin.
- Key predictors of bacteriuria included urban residence, higher BMI, gestational age, and hemoglobin levels.

## Abstract

Bacteria in urine, which is known as bacteriuria, is divided clinically into two types: symptomatic, where the patient experiences urinary complaints, and asymptomatic (ASB), in which the patient has no complaints. Pregnant women who have ASB may later develop symptomatic urinary tract infection, which is considered one of the most common bacterial infections in pregnancy and which, if untreated, can result in serious adverse pregnancy outcomes.

The goal of this research was to find out the prevalence of bacteriuria and its related factors among pregnant women in the Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia, recognize correlated microbial organisms, and identify the antimicrobial profile.

A cross‐sectional study was conducted at Jazan and Sabyia general hospitals from June 28, 2023 to June 28, 2024. A systematic random sample of 392 pregnant women was selected. Urine samples were collected from them for bacteriological cultures and antimicrobial sensitivity testing. Data were collected and analyzed.

Out of 392 participants, 19% had bacteriuria. Most women were aged 26–35, overweight, and resided in urban areas. The most common bacteria found were Escherichia coli (39.2%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.6%). Antimicrobial sensitivity was highest for cefuroxime and vancomycin and lowest for erythromycin and penicillin. Significant predictors of bacteriuria were residence, body mass index, gestational age, hemoglobin levels, and hemoglobin A1c levels.

The study revealed a significant prevalence of bacteriuria among pregnant women in Jazan Region, highlighting the importance of routine screening and targeted interventions for high‐risk groups. Effective antibiotic stewardship programs are essential to managing resistance patterns.