SPECTRUM OF SURGICAL SITE INFECTIONS IN GENERAL SURGERY: RISK FACTORS AND ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN IN TERTIARY CARE CENTRE, INDIA

Reeja Jiji*, Thejaswini Balakrishna and Dharitri Joshi

ABSTRACT

Surgical site infections are a significant problem associated with major surgeries and are the third most frequently reported nosocomial infection. In cases of deep or extensive infection, this resulted in a mortality rate of 70-80%. This study aims to identify the risk factors and common microorganisms that are associated with surgical site infection. A prospective study was undertaken in the department of general surgery for a period of 3 months. The rate of surgical infection was studied in relation to its type of surgical procedure, elective v/s emergency surgeries, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiology, and Southampton grading system. The present study revealed that among 144 operated, the incidence rate was 12.5%. An alarming 11% of infections were associated with emergency surgeries as compared to 7% of elective surgeries, wherein 16% of infections was observed in diabetic patients. The antibiogram and their susceptibility patterns revealed that meropenam and linezolid have better coverage against both gram positive and negative organisms. Periodic surveillance of bacteria and antibiotic susceptibility coupled with the implementation of strict protocol antibiotic administration is important to minimize the risk of surgical site infection.

Keywords: Surgical site infection, Nosocomial infection, Antibiotic susceptibility.