Diagnostic Accuracy of Griess Test for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Pregnancy

Introduction: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is a microbiological diagnosis based on the isolation of a specified quantitative count of bacteria in a properly collected specimen of urine from pregnant women without signs and symptoms, which are referable to urinary tract infection. Global prevalence of ASB in pregnancy is 1.9-9.5%.

Objectives: 1. To evaluate the accuracy of Griess test as a tool for screening of ASB in pregnancy. 2. To measure the validity (sensitivity and specificity) of Griess test in comparison with urine culture (Gold standard) and its diagnostic ability by ROC curve.

Methodology: A Cross sectional study was done during June and July 2012. Predesigned, pretested questionnaire was used for collection of data regarding demographic profile. Midstream urine sample was collected in sterile container, Griess test was done and urine sample sent for culture.

Results: In the present study, the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was 18% among the pregnant women. The sensitivity of Griess test was 92.3% and specificity was 99%. Area under the curve is 0.96. Hence Griess test has good diagnostic value when compared to urine culture for detecting bacteriuria, it is statistically highly significant with p=0.000001.

Conclusion: ASB is not uncommon among antenatal mothers in the population studied. Hence routine urine examination and Griess test for detecting ASB should be included in the ANC on routine basis.