Publication:

Bacteriological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of microorganisms isolated from surgical site infections at tertiary care center in Western India

Background Among different types of hospital-acquired infections, Surgical site infections (SSIs) continue to be a major concern, due to prolonged hospitalizations, increased costs, and significant morbidity and mortality.  Understanding the etiological agents behind these infections and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns can greatly aid in the management of SSIs.

Methods This prospective, single-center, laboratory-based study was carried out over nine months at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Pus-aspirates from 6575 patients suspected of developing SSIs were collected and analyzed according to the standard microbiological techniques. The antimicrobial susceptibility of isolated organisms was tested using Kirby-Bauer’s disc diffusion method or by the VITEK-2 compact system.

Results The study concluded the SSI rate of 5.27%. Gram-negative organisms were the leading cause of SSIs (84%), with Klebsiella pneumoniae (22.87%) being the most common pathogen, followed by E. coli (21.14%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.94%). Nearly 42.38% of all Gram-negative isolates exhibited Carbapenem-resistance. All Gram-positive isolates were found susceptible to Vancomycin and Linezolid, and all Gram-negative isolates were colistin sensitive.

Conclusions The present study provides crucial insights into local epidemiology and resistance patterns of SSI-causing microbes. The study also highlighted concerning resistance rates to commonly used antimicrobials, including β-lactams, cephalosporins, and aminoglycosides, with potentially alarming rates of Carbapenem resistance. Implementing strict infection control measures, rational use of antibiotics, and optimal pre-and post-operative care can potentially reduce the growing rates of SSIs.