Incidence and bacteriological pattern of puerperal infections within the first 120 hours post caesarean section in Redemption Hospital Monrovia, Liberia

Abstract

Background: Maternal infection contributes to 11% of all maternal mortalities globally, with most of these deaths in developing countries. This study was triggered by an anecdotal evidence of a high prevalence of puerperal infection following Caesarean sections at the Redemption Hospital, Monrovia Liberia.

Objective: To determine the incidence and bacteriological pattern of puerperal infections within the first 120 hours among women delivered by Caesarean section.

Design: Prospective descriptive cohort study.

Setting: Redemption Hospital in Monrovia, Liberia.

Subjects: Two hundred and thirty five immediate post Caesarean section mothers.

Results: The Mean (SD) age of study participants was 27 years. The incidence of puerperal sepsis was 21% (49/235), out of which 49% (24/49) met the clinical criteria of puerperal infection and 51% (25/49) had laboratory confirmed puerperal sepsis. Of the specimens cultured, 44% were Staphylococcus aureus, 44% were Escherichia coli and 12% Pseudomonas aeuroginosum. About three quarters of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli infections are resistant to ceftriaxone, while more than half these infections are resistant to gentamicin.

Conclusion: The incidence of puerperal infection in Redemption Hospital, Liberia, within the first 120 hours after Caesarean section is 21%. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were the most common pathogens isolated and showed resistance to ceftriaxone and gentamicin.