International Journal of Multidisciplinary Health Sciences and Research

Category: Original Article,      DOI: Recived: 23/04/2024, Accepted: 20/06/2024, Published online: 28/06/2024

Bacteriological Landscape and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Surgical Site Infections: Insights from a Tertiary Care Hospital

Dr. Ramesh Yadav1*, Dr. Sushil Kumar2, Dr. Shiv Kumar3

Abstract

Background: Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) are a significant healthcare challenge, causing substantial morbidity, mortality, and financial burden. Understanding the bacteriological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of SSIs is crucial for developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, bacteriological profile, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of SSIs from a tertiary care hospital in North India. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted over the period 18 months, involving 200 patients who developed SSIs following various surgical procedures. Pus samples were collected aseptically and subjected to microbiological examination, including culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Results: Out of 200 samples, 112 (56.0%) yielded aerobic bacterial growth. Gram-positive cocci (GPC) were more prevalent (60.7%) than Gram Negative Bacilli (GNB) (39.3%). Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS) (57.4%) and Staphylococcus aureus (32.4%) were the most common GPC isolates, while Escherichia coli (36.4%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (22.7%) predominated among GNB. GPC isolates exhibited high sensitivity to linezolid (97.1%), vancomycin (94.1%), and teicoplanin (89.7%), whereas GNB isolates were most sensitive to colistin (93.2%), amikacin (79.5%), and piperacillin-tazobactam (68.2%). Age-related differences were observed, with gram-positive isolates being more common in younger patients and gram-negative isolates predominating in older individuals. Conclusion: The high prevalence of SSIs and the increasing antimicrobial resistance highlight the need for robust infection control measures, judicious antibiotic use, and antimicrobial stewardship programs. Age-related differences in the distribution of pathogens can guide clinical decision-making and preventive strategies. Continued surveillance and research are essential to combat SSIs and antimicrobial resistance effectively.