Post-operative wound infection in developing country - A prospective survey at the Q.E.C.H., Blantyre, Malawi

Abstract

A prospective survey of post-operative wound infection rates was undertaken at the Queen
Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi over a three-month period from April to June, 1985. The methods whereby wound sepsis data were obtained are presented. The results show an overall infection rate of 25.8% and that for clean wounds of 14.8%. These figures are relatively unfavourable and an attempt is made to explain, this. The limitations of this study are discussed, as is the importance of continued sepsis surveillance with particular reference to the use of antibiotic prophylaxis.