Post-operative urinary tract infection and wound infection in women undergoing caesarean section: a comparison of two study periods in 1985 and 1987.
In 1985 and 1987 women undergoing Caesarean section were studied for the development of post-catheterization bacteriuria, urinary tract infection and wound infection. In 1985, 34% developed bacteriuria compared to 25% in 1987. Post-catheterization bacteriuria within two days was reduced by improved catheterization techniques. Late urinary tract infection after 5 days occurred in 2% of women in 1985 and 6% in 1987. The commonest bacteria were Escherichia coli and enterococci. Post-catheterization bacteriuria was only confirmed in a second urine specimen in 53%. The incidence of wound infection was 20% in 1985 and 15.8% in 1987 but bacterial pathogens were only isolated from 12.5% and 5.1% respectively. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 60% of infected women. Antimicrobial usage was high in this group of women at 41% in 1985 and 27% in 1987. A significant reduction of usage from 37% to 16% was seen in bacteriologically confirmed infections where the laboratory reports were only issued after examination of a second specimen. However most symptomatic women received treatment. The incidence of post-operative infective complications is high in women having Caesarean section. Careful urethral catheterization techniques are necessary to prevent bacteriuria.
Leigh
D A
DA
Department of Microbiology, Wycombe General Hospital, Bucks.
Emmanuel
F X
FX
Sedgwick
J
J
Dean
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001437:Bacteriuria / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009666:Nose / Q000382:microbiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013210:Staphylococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents