title: Gram stain microbiological pattern of upper extremities suppuration at Baptist Medical Centre, Ogbomoso Nigeria: a fifteen month review.
abstract: Sixty-eight (68) patients with serious upper extremity suppurative infections, presenting within a period of fifteen (15) months, were prospectively studied clinically, Gram stain of aspirates/pus were performed, specimen cultured, planted, and where indicated glucose levels and haemoglobin genotype determined. Half of the patients had hand infections. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from thirty-nine (39) patients. Gram Negative bacilli, including Salmonella were more isolated from patients with diabetes mellitus or Hgb SS or SC. The Gram stain results correlated with the culture result 90%. When Gram Positive cocci were demonstrated in the primary microscopic examination, cultures were not mandatory. When no organism was demonstrated on primary Gram stain or the patient was diabetic or a sickler, cultures of the specimens were done. The Gram stain, well performed, remains a useful, inexpensive, technologically appropriate laboratory test for abetting decision making in patients with upper extremity suppurative infections. Organisms encountered in this study included: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Salmonella typhi, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Coliforms.
authors.affiliation: College of Health Sciences, Bowen University, Iwo Osun State, Nigeria. adefolaames@yahoo.com
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Oke
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Olaolorun
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Meier
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Tarpley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D005840:Gentian Violet; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016905:Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D006095:Gram-Positive Cocci / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016519:Hospitals, Religious; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D009549:Nigeria; D010619:Phenazines; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013492:Suppuration / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; C035863:Gram's stain; D010619:Phenazines; D005840:Gentian Violet