Urinary tract infection during pregnancy: current concepts on a common multifaceted problem

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Infectious Diseases
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most frequent bacterial infections during pregnancy.
• UTIs pose significant risks for maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.
• Escherichia coli is the predominant pathogen in both symptomatic and asymptomatic UTIs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the prevalence and risks associated with UTIs in pregnancy.
• To emphasize the potential complications arising from untreated asymptomatic bacteriuria.
• To advocate for improved antenatal screening strategies for UTIs.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on UTIs in pregnancy.
• Analysis of complications linked to asymptomatic bacteriuria and pyelonephritis.
• Discussion of diagnostic methods including traditional urine cultures and advanced DNA sequencing.

Main Results:

• Untreated asymptomatic bacteriuria can progress to acute pyelonephritis in up to 30% of cases.
• UTIs are associated with increased risks of preeclampsia, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth restriction.
• Early detection and treatment of UTIs are vital for preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Urinary tract infections represent a significant and preventable cause of pregnancy complications.
• Enhanced antenatal screening using urine culture or novel high-throughput DNA sequencing is recommended.
• Improved screening protocols can mitigate maternal and neonatal risks associated with UTIs.