Bacteriology of Post Caesarean Wound Infection in a Specialist Hospital in Kano, North Western Nigeria

Abstract

Post caesarean wound infection is a common cause of maternal morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries where strict adherence to infection control procedures is low. The aim of the present study is to establish the spectrum of microbes causing post caesarean wound infection and antibiotic sensitivity pattern in our locality. Specimens collected were processed and antibiotic sensitivity pattern determined by disc diffusion method. Out of 1,230 patients in this study, 246(20%) were infected. Of which 206 (83.7%) yielded growth. E. coli 65(28.8%) was the most frequently isolated pathogen followed by Proteus mirabilis (23.0%) and Staphylococcus aureus (19.0%) Bacterial pathogens were resistant to commonly used antibiotics such as cotrimoxazole, tetracycline, cefuroxime and cloxacillin, while cephalosporin and fluoroquinolones were highly effective against the isolates. Emergency caesarean section received the risk of post caesarean wound infection. The cephalosporin especially ceftriaxone will be useful as prophylactic antibiotic when combined with metronidazole and administered just before surgery is commenced.

Key words: Post caesarean wound infection, bacterial isolates, antibiotic sensitivity pattern