Bacteriological profile and antibiogram of superficial incisional surgical site infections at a tertiary care hospital

Context (Background): Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common healthcare-associated infections. The high rate of SSIs is associated with higher morbidity and mortality among the patients undergoing surgery. SSIs are a major cause of concern among health care practitioners, as advances in infection control practices have not completely eradicated the problem of SSI due to development of drug resistance. An infected wound complicates the postoperative course, results in prolonged stay in the hospital, causes delayed recovery and adds to burden on financial resources. Aims: The present study was undertaken to isolate and characterize the bacterial pathogens causing superficial insicional SSI and to know their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. Methods and Material: This prospective study was carried out between March and September 2013 at tertiary care hospital attached to our Medical College. Patients who underwent surgery during the above mentioned study period were followed up for thirty days to look for development of SSI as per CDC guidelines. Results and Conclusions: A total of 65 samples from patients with SSIs were included for the present study. Out of 65 samples, 15 showed no growth, whereas 50 samples yielded growth on culture. From 50 samples, total of 56 isolates were obtained. Among 56 isolates 40 (71.4%) were Gram negative bacilli and 16 (28.6%) were Gram positive cocci. Commonest pathogen was Escherichia coli 15 (26.8%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus 13 (23.2 %). Multidrug resistance including ESBL (22.5%) and Amp C (22.5%) production was found among Gram negative pathogens. MRSA prevalence was found to be high (53.9 %). Inducible clindamycin resistance was noted in 01/13 (7.7 %) isolates of Staphylococcus aureus.