Project Abstract

Abstract
Wound infections are a common health issue that can lead to serious complications if not appropriately treated. Understanding the aetiological agents responsible for wound infections and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern is crucial for effective management. This study aimed to identify the various microorganisms causing wound infections and assess their susceptibility to commonly used antimicrobial agents. A total of 300 wound swab samples were collected from patients presenting with infected wounds at a tertiary care hospital. The samples were processed using standard microbiological techniques to isolate and identify the causative agents. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disc diffusion method according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. The results showed that the most common pathogens isolated from wound infections were Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. These microorganisms exhibited varying susceptibility patterns to different antimicrobial agents. Staphylococcus aureus showed high susceptibility to vancomycin, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa was most susceptible to ciprofloxacin. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae demonstrated variable susceptibility to different antibiotics tested. The study highlights the importance of regular surveillance of wound infections and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns to guide appropriate antibiotic therapy. Tailoring treatment based on the specific pathogens and their susceptibility profiles is essential to ensure optimal patient outcomes and prevent the development of antimicrobial resistance. Healthcare providers should be vigilant in selecting the most effective antibiotics for treating wound infections based on local epidemiological data and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. Further research is warranted to monitor the changing trends in microbial pathogens causing wound infections and their resistance patterns. Continuous efforts in infection control and antibiotic stewardship are necessary to combat the challenge of antimicrobial resistance and improve patient care in the management of wound infections.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

The primary function of intact skin is to control microbial population that live on the skin surface and to prevent underlying tissue from becoming colonized and invaded by potential pathogens (Ndipet. al., 2007). Exposure of subcutaneous tissue following a loss of skin integrity (i.e. wound) provides a moist, warm and nutritious environment that is conducive to microbial colonization and proliferation.

A wound is defined as any injury that damages the skin and therefore compromises its protective function. An acute wound is generally caused by external damage to the skin, including abrasions, minor cuts, lacerations, puncture wounds, bites, burns and surgical incisions. A wound is a breakdown in the protective function of the skin; the loss of continuity of epithelium, with or without loss of underlying connective tissue (Leaper and Harding, 1998). Wounds can be accidental, pathological or post operative. All wounds contain bacteria but majority of the wounds do no get infected. There are many variables that can promote wound infection when there is a discontinuity of skin barrier. This include both host and organism related factors like bacterial load and type, immune competence of host co-morbid like diabetes mellitus, etc (Mir et. al., 2012). An infection of this breach in continuity constitutes wound infection. Wound infection is thus the presence of pus in a lesion as well as the general or local features of sepsis such as pyrexia, pain and indurations.

Wound infections are one of the most common hospital acquired infections and are an important cause of morbidity and account for 70-80% mortality (Gottrupet al., 2005; Wilson et al., 2004).