Microbiology of surgical site infections after gastrointestinal surgery in the south region of The Netherlands.
OBJECTIVE
To give an overview of the microbiology of blood and wound samples from surgical site infections (SSIs) after gastrointestinal surgery, as well as the antimicrobial susceptibility of the microorganisms involved, and to discuss the appropriateness of the prophylactic antibiotics administered.


METHODS
During a 3.5-year study period, wound swabs and blood samples of patients with an SSI were taken in the first 48 h after surgery until 30 days thereafter.


RESULTS
Most pathogens were isolated from wound swabs. Escherichia coli (25%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10%) were the most frequently found microorganisms. Both microorganisms showed a slight tendency towards a decrease in susceptibility for the tested antibiotics, although after correction, this was not significant.


CONCLUSIONS
The comparison between wound swabs taken in the first 48 h after a surgical procedure and swabs in the 30 days thereafter provides important information concerning the microbiology of SSIs and the development of antibiotic resistance of the causative agents over time.
Maastricht University Medical Centre, Department of Medical Microbiology, P Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Amita A
AA
Ramcharan
Casper D J
CD
den Heijer
Ed E J
EE
Smeets
Margriet M J
MM
Rouflart
Frank H
FH
van Tiel
Cathrien A
CA
Bruggeman
Stephanie O
SO
Breukink
Jan H M
JH
Tordoir
Cor G M I
CG
Baeten
Ellen E
EE
Stobberingh
D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D016533:Mycological Typing Techniques; D009426:Netherlands; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D013997:Time Factors