Bacteriuria in pregnancy: a comparison of Bangladeshi and Caucasian women.

During a 5-year period all urine culture results from pregnant Caucasian and Bangladeshi women booked for confinement at the Royal London Hospital, London, UK, were reviewed to determine race-specific rates of bacteriuria. The results showed that the overall prevalence of bacteriuria in the Caucasian group was 6.3% compared to 2.0% for the Bangladeshi women. Caucasian women were found to be at significantly greater risk across all pregnancy outcome and history categories, with the greatest risk observed in grand multiparous women (RR: 4.7, 95% CI: 2.8-8.3). Pregnancies that resulted in preterm delivery showed a strong association of bacteriuria in Caucasian women which was not seen in the Bangladeshi women (RR: 4.4, 95% CI: 2.0-8.7). The data suggest that Caucasian women have a significantly higher prevalence of bacteriuria in pregnancy than their Bangladeshi neighbors. Differences in hygiene practices and clothing may explain the observed differences in the bacteriuria rates.