DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2018.v06i03.009

Pages: 853-856

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of surgical site infections (SSI) in patients undergoing surgery and to identify common bacterial pathogens and antibiotic sensitivity. SSI significantly affect the patient’s quality of life by increasing morbidity and extending hospital stays. This cross sectional study was conducted for a period of 1 year in a tertiary care hospital, Hyderabad. Patients who underwent surgery and had wound pus discharge were included in the study. A total of 242 samples were processed in the laboratory during the study period. Out of 242 samples, 212 samples yielded aerobic bacterial growth. 20 samples showed no bacterial growth after 48 hours of incubation. Among 212 bacterial isolates, S.aureus (63%) & Klebsiella (18%) were the commonest organisms. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing was carried out for all 212 isolates. S.aureus strains showed high degree of resistance for Ampicillin. Gram negative isolates showed even higher rate of resistance & commonly prescribed agents like Gentamicin, Cotrimoxazole & Ciprofloxacin. SSIs pose a major burden to the hospital and also to the patients. Although they cannot be completely eliminated they can be reduced by knowing the etiology of microorganisms & by formulating hospital antibiotic policy.