AEROBIC PATHOGENIC BACTERIA IN POST-OPERATIVE WOUNDS AT MOI TEACHING AND REFERRAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: The emergence of bacterial antimicrobial resistance associated with
acquired infections has made the choice of empirical therapy more difficult and
expensive, hence the need for continuous research to determine their sensitivity patterns.
Objectives: To identify the common aerobic pathogenic bacteria in post-operative wounds
at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) and determine their sensitivity patterns
to routine antibiotics used.
Design: Cross-sectional study.
Setting: Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) Surgical, Obstetrics and Gynaecology
wards.
Patients: Sixty three patients chosen by convenient sampling between May and June
2001 were included in the study. A total of eighty four isolates were obtained from
these patients.
Materials and Methods: Isolation of pathogens and their antibiotic sensitivity
determination was conducted in the Department of Medical Microbiology Laboratory,
Faculty of Health Sciences, Moi University. The bacteria were cultured on blood agar,
MacConkey and Nutrient agar followed by identification using biochemical tests (catalase
urease, coagulase, triple sugar iron). Disc diffusion method on Muller-Hinton agar was
used for sensitivity testing.
Results: Staphylococcus aureus species were the most common pathogenic bacteria
isolated from the post-operative wounds. Other organisms included Proteus, Pseudomonas
and Escherichia coli. There was a multi-drug resistance pattern observed, with
minocyline being the most effective drug against S. aureus.
Conclusion: There is need for review of policies on prescription practice on the use
of existing therapeutics choice to limit the spread of resistance. This will ensure reduced
patient stay and cost incurred.