BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF CHRONIC OSTEOMYELITIS CASES IN ILE-IFE, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

The bacteriological examination of chronic osteomyelitis cases in Ile-Ife, revealed Proteus mirabilis as the predominant isolate encountered (23.1%). Staphylococci constituted 30.7% of the total bacterial isolates with Staphylococcus aureus accounting for only 10.2%. Other Gram-positive cocci cultured include, Staphylococcus spp (20.5%), coagulase negative staphylococci (CONS) (12.8%) and Streptococcus spp (1.2%). Gram-negative rods constituted 55.1% of the total isolates with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being 8.5%, Escherichia coli 5.1%, Citrobacter freundii and Salmonella spp 2.5% each. Antibiotic sensitivity test revealed all isolates to be multi-resistant to traditional antimicrobials, which is of epidemiologcal importance in treating cases of chronic osteomyelitis in this environment. The study suggests institution of aggressive therapeutic interventions to avert possible sequalae.


(Af J Clinical & Exp Microbiology: 2003 4(2): 41-51)