Pattern of pathogens and their sensitivity isolated from surgical site infections at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.
BACKGROUND
In low income countries, surgical site infections (SSIs) are costly and impose a heavy and potentially preventable burden on both patients and healthcare providers. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of SSI, pathogens associated with SSI, the antibiogram of the causative pathogens and specific risk factors associated with SSI at the hospital.


METHODS
Two hundred and sixty-eight respondents admitted for general surgical procedures (other than neurological and cardiothoracic surgeries) at the Aga Khan University Hospital were eligible to take part in the study. Post-surgery patients were observed for symptoms of infection. Follow ups were done through the consulting clinics, breast clinic and casualty dressing clinic by a team of surgeons. In cases of infection, pus swabs were collected for culture.


RESULTS
SSI incidence rate was 7.0%, pathogens isolated from SSI included gram negative enteric bacilli and S. aureus which was the most prevalent bacterial isolate. Only one isolate of MRSA was found and all staphylococci were susceptible to Vancomycin. Preoperative stay ≥ 2 days and wound class were the risk factors associated with SSI.


CONCLUSIONS
The SSI incidence rates (7.0%) observed in this study were relatively lower than the ones documented in other studies in Kenya. S. aureus is the most prevalent pathogen associated with SSI. Similar to findings from other studies done in the region; prolonged hospital stay and dirty wounds were the risks associated with postsurgical sepsis at the hospital.
Department of Medical laboratory science, School of Health sciences, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. vicuek2006@yahoo.com
Victor
V
Dinda
Revathi
R
Gunturu
Sam
S
Kariuki
Abdi
A
Hakeem
Asad
A
Raja
Andrew
A
Kimang'a
D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D001407:Bacillus; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007630:Kenya / Q000453:epidemiology; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D018805:Sepsis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D014495:Universities; D014640:Vancomycin / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014640:Vancomycin
Antibiotics; Infection; Surgical sites; Surveillance