Microbiological profile and therapeutic management of urinary tract infections in pregnant women in Likasi, haut-Katanga (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

Abstract

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent a major infectious complication during pregnancy, associated with significant obstetric and neonatal risks. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, limited access to microbiological diagnosis and rising antibiotic resistance greatly complicate their management.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence, determine the microbiological profile, and analyze the antibiotic susceptibility of uropathogens isolated from pregnant women in Likasi in order to optimize local antibiotic therapy.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted among pregnant women recruited via stratified random sampling in Likasi. Urine samples were analyzed using standardized urine culture (ECBU) at the AFRIDEX Polyclinic Laboratory. Isolation was performed according to CA-SFM/EUCAST guidelines, while identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were carried out using the automated VITEK 2 Compact system. Data were analyzed using Excel and SPSS.

Results: This study revealed a UTI prevalence of 43.3% in the overall population. The pregnant women had a mean age of 25.3 ± 6 years; the majority were housewives (50.0%) and were attending prenatal care (PNC) in the second trimester (74.1%), with the Panda district being the most represented (39.2%). No significant association was found between these characteristics and infection (p>0.05). The microbiological profile was dominated by *Escherichia coli* (46.2%), *Klebsiella pneumoniae* (15.4%), and *Proteus mirabilis* (9.6%). The highest susceptibility rates were observed for amikacin (76.9%), ertapenem (69.2%), and imipenem (63.5%), while vancomycin and linezolid were 100% effective against Gram-positive cocci. Conversely, high levels of resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin, and ciprofloxacin were observed. These results highlight the need to strengthen routine urine culture screening and update local antibiotic treatment protocols for pregnant women.

Conclusion: The prevalence of urinary tract infections among pregnant women in Likasi is alarming. Given the documented critical resistance to aminopenicillins, implementing routine urine culture screening during prenatal visits and regulating empirical antibiotic therapy are essential in the region.

Keywords: Urinary tract infection, Pregnancy, Microbiological profile, Antibiogram, Likasi, DRC.

Received Date: June 19, 2026

Accepted Date: July 10, 2026

Published Date: August 01, 2026

Available Online at: https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/798