Asymptomatic bacteriuria of pregnancy in Zambia

Abstract

A survey of 500 Zambian antenatal patients revealed a 3.8% incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria. Interest in asymptomatic bacteriuria has increased since large groups of individuals were studied by Kass (1956). Subsequent studies by the same authors (Kass,1960a,1960b) appeared to show an increased incidence of acute pyelonephritis and pre-maturity when this condition was associated with pregnancy. Further studies in many parts of the world have confirmed that this condition is present in approximately 4% of all pregnant women. The condition is not confined to pregnancy. It is believed that there is a variable 4% of all women who demonstrate asymptomatic bacteriuria and that pregnancy is a state in which the condition may become symptomatic and recognised.