Urinary tract infections in pregnant women from the Russian--Ukrainian military conflict regions: A multicenter study (2022-2025)

To estimates of the prevalence rate of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pregnant women from the Ukrainian-Russian military conflict regions and antimicrobial resistance of causing pathogens.

Retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted from April, 2022 to May, 2025.The study population consisted of 2,576 pregnant women from the Ukrainian-Russian military conflict regions. Antibiotic susceptibility was done by the disc diffusion test as recommended by EUCAST guidelines.

Among 2,576 pregnant women, 1,002 (38.9%) UTIs were observed. The most frequently reported UTI types were cystitis (48.4%) and asymptomatic bacteriuria (39%). Of all UTI cases, 14.6% were defined as acute pyelonephritis. The most common causative agents of UTIs were Escherichia coli (27.6%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.9%), Proteus mirabilis (11.2%), Coagulase-negative staphylococci (8.7%), Enterococcus faecalis (8.5%), Enterobacter spp. (7.2%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6.6%). Methicillin-resistance S. aureus (MRSA), vancomycin resistance enterococci (VRE), and extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) production among Enterobacteriales was found observed in 11.3%, 9.1%, and 29.4% isolates, respectively. Carbapenem resistance was identified in 13.7% of P. aeruginosa strains.

This study findings demonstrate the high rate of UTIs in pregnant women from the Ukrainian-Russian military conflict regions and many cases are caused by pathogens that are resistant to antibiotics. Strategies for deterrence include optimal hygiene practices to minimize the risk of bacterial colonization and ascending infection.