Bacterial profile, antibacterial susceptibility pattern and associated factors among women attending antenatal and postnatal health service at University of Gondar teaching Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Back ground: Bacterial infection is an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality especially in resource limited countries including Ethiopia. The major bacterial infections include urinary tract infection, septicemia and endometritis. The rise of antibiotic resistance bacterial infection poses a big threat to this vulnerable population. However, studies are lacking in Ethiopia.Objective: To assess bacterial profile, antibacterial susceptibility pattern and associated factors among mothers attending antenatal and postnatal care health service.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 222 study participants at the University of Gondar teaching Hospital from January 1 to May 30, 2016. Clinical specimens such as urine, blood and cervical discharge culture and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were done following standard procedure. Data were entered and analyzed with SPSS version 20.  Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression model were carried out. Conclusion: Overall prevalence of bacterial infection was high. The isolated bacterial pathogens were resistant for commonly prescribed antimicrobial agents. This calls urgent need of screening bacterial infections of pregnant and following delivery women in antenatal and postnatal follow up. Keywords: antibiotic susceptibility pattern, bacterial profile, associated factor