Aerobic pathogenic bacteria in post-operative wounds at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
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.


OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) Surgical, Obstetrics and Gynaecology wards.


METHODS
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.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Andhoga
J
J
Moi University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya.
Macharia
A G
AG
Maikuma
I R
IR
Wanyonyi
Z S
ZS
Ayumba
B R
BR
Kakai
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001420:Bacteria, Aerobic / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007630:Kenya / Q000453:epidemiology; D007902:Length of Stay; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D008875:Middle Aged; D011511:Proteus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D011549:Pseudomonas / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology*