Publication:

Puerperal sepsis: predominant organisms and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern

Background Puerperal sepsis is among the leading cause of preventable maternal morbidity and mortality not only in developing countries but in developed countries as well. This study was undertaken to isolate and identify aerobic bacterial agents of puerperal sepsis among the patients admitted in rural medical college of Maharashtra.

Methods Blood samples were collected from 67 cases of Puerperal sepsis and were cultured aerobically. The organisms were identified by standard biochemical tests. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing done by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method.

Results Out of 67 samples, 46 (68.65%) yielded growth in blood culture. The isolated organisms were Klebsiella aerogenes, Staph. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus, E. coli, Streptococcus pyogenes and coagulase negative Staphylococci. Most of the organisms are resistant to commonly used antibiotics such as ampicillin, penicillin and amikacin.

Conclusions Puerperal sepsis is the common life threatening condition in the postnatal period, particularly following vaginal delivery. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of puerperal sepsis can make the difference between life and death.