Urinary tract infections in pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis

Summary Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bacterial vaginosis are common problems in pregnancy and are associated with serious obstetric complications. We evaluated the risk of UTIs in pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis. A total of 322 pregnant women who presented for a prenatal visit were evaluated for bacterial vaginosis and UTIs, between March 2003 and September 2004. Bacterial vaginosis was diagnosed based on Amsel's criteria. Women using antibiotic or other vaginal cream, with specific vaginitis or vaginal bleeding were excluded. Data were analysed using χ2, Student t-test and multiple logistic regression. A total of 76 women had bacterial vaginosis and 246 women did not; and 18 women (23.6%) with bacterial vaginosis had UTIs, compared with 24 (9.8%) of those without. Bacterial vaginosis was associated with an increased risk of UTIs (odds ratio (OR) 3.05; 95% CI: 1.47 - 6.33). Pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis are at increased risk for UTIs.