Bacteriology of post–operative wound infections in the surgical wards of a Federal Medical Centre in Nigeria

Abstract

A total of 248 swab specimens from post-operative wounds suspected to be infected were bacteriologically evaluated. Of these, bacterial growth was recorded in 204 specimens (82.3%) while 44 specimens (17.7%) yielded no growth. The bacteria isolated from the samples in decreasing order of prevalence were: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (33.1%), Proteus sp (16.9%), Escherichia coli (12.1%), Staphylococcus aureus (10.5%), Klebsiella sp (8.9%) and Streptococcus pyogenes (3.2%). The isolates were predominantly Gram-negative bacteria. Most of the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic but generally low percentage of the bacterial isolates were sensitive to the antimicrobial agents tested. The presence of antibiotic resistant bacteria may have important public health implications. The result suggests the need for constant assessment of post-operative wounds in order to identify the prevailing bacteria and suitable antimicrobial drugs for proper treatment.


Key Words: Post operative wound, infections, antibiotics.


Jnl Med. Investigation & Practice Vol. 3 2001: 60-64