Shifting Bacterial Profiles in Burn Wound Infections: An Observational Study
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Abstract
Introduction:
In India the bacterial infection is major problem in the management of burn cases. Burn provides a suitable site for bacterial multiplication. It contributes significantly both in morbidity and mortality. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics to treat the patients will develop antibiotic resistance in the bacteria present in the burn wound.4
Material and Methods:
A total 87 patients with superficial and deep burn were studied bacteriologically. Wound discharge was collected from burnt skin lesion with sterile swab stick at first week of patients’ admission and subsequently weekly interval. Specimen was examined microscopically by using Grams staining and inoculated aerobically on Blood agar and MacConkey agar. Identification of isolates was done by standard biochemical tests.
Results:
In this study higher incidence of burn was reported in females at the age group of 16–30 years. Thermal burns etiology was reported common type of injury. Coagulase positive staphylococcus was predominant organism at first week of post burn. P.aeruginosa was predominant organism at second week of post burn and onwords.
Most common isolated organism were P.aeruginosa (40%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (28%), E.coli (22%), S. aureus (21%) and Proteus spp (8%).2,3
Conclusion:
In this study Ps. aeruginosa seems to be significant pathogen affecting the burn wounds at second week and onward. However coagulase positive staphylococcus was predominant organism at first week of burn and then decreased in numbers. Coagulase negative staphylococci and Enterobacteriaceae have important role cause infection of burn wound.