Antimicrobial Resistance in Maternal Infections During Pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Vaginal microbiota imbalance, marked by low lactobacilli, permits opportunistic gastrointestinal bacteria.
• Aerobic bacteria in the genital tract during pregnancy correlate with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
• Peripartum infections and rising antimicrobial resistance threaten maternal and neonatal well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze microbial isolates from pregnant women with infectious diseases.
• To identify prevalent bacterial species and assess antimicrobial resistance patterns.
• To understand the implications of maternal infections for pregnancy outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study of microbial strains from pregnant women over one year.
• Analysis of 274 samples (cervical, urine, wound, amniotic fluid, etc.) from 246 women.
• Identification of bacterial species and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Main Results:

• Group B Streptococcus (GBS) was the most common cervical isolate (42.46%), followed by E. coli (30.16%).
• Significant resistance was observed: 9.63% of GBS strains resistant to penicillin, 23.36% multi-drug resistant (MDR).
• 50% of S. aureus isolates were Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and 54.54% were MDR.

Conclusions:

• Maternal infections, particularly with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, are critical risk factors during pregnancy.
• Early identification and management of these infections are essential for maternal and neonatal health.
• The study highlights the prevalence of GBS, E. coli, and S. aureus, along with concerning resistance rates.