Isolation and Identification of Bacterial Isolates Associated with Post-surgical wound Infections at Tertiary Hospitals

Author: Sumedh P. Narwade, S.B. Mali, P.P. Dixit and Diksha B. Dhaware

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Abstract

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are one of the most common and serious post-operative complications worldwide, leading to increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and significant healthcare costs. SSIs are primarily caused by bacterial contamination during or after surgery, with Gram-negative bacteria frequently implicated in these infections. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characterization of bacterial pathogens associated with SSIs in post-operative patients. A prospective study was conducted in government and private hospitals in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India, focusing on patients from general surgery and orthopedic departments. Wound samples were collected from 120 patients diagnosed with SSIs between January 2022 and June 2022. Samples were processed using Gram staining, culture techniques, biochemical assays, and molecular identification via 16S rRNA sequencing for selected isolates. A total of 150 bacterial isolates were obtained from 120 wound samples. The majority of isolates were Gram-negative rods (63 isolates), followed by Gram-negative cocci (43), Gram-positive rods (25), and Gram-positive cocci (19). Biochemical tests revealed significant metabolic diversity among the isolates, and two highly resistant strains were confirmed as included Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus cereus through 16S rRNA sequencing. The findings indicate that Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, play a dominant role in SSIs. The high prevalence of multidrug-resistant isolates underscores the need for stringent infection control measures, effective antibiotic stewardship, and region-specific microbial surveillance to mitigate SSIs in surgical patients

Keywords

Surgical site infections, bacterial pathogens, Gram-negative bacteria, antibiotic resistance, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, B.cereus, 16S rRNA sequencing

Conclusion

This study highlights the significant role of Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus cereus, in surgical site infections (SSIs) among post-operative patients. The high prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates emphasizes the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance in hospital settings. The use of biochemical and molecular characterization, including 16S rRNA sequencing, provided precise identification of resistant strains, further underlining the need for enhanced microbiological surveillance. Effective infection control measures, including strict adherence to aseptic surgical techniques, improved wound care protocols, and region-specific antibiotic stewardship programs, are crucial in reducing the burden of SSIs. Additionally, regular microbial surveillance can aid in early detection of emerging resistant strains, allowing for timely intervention. Addressing these challenges will help in mitigating post-surgical complications, reducing healthcare costs, and improving patient outcomes in surgical and orthopedic settings

References

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How to cite this article

Sumedh P. Narwade, S.B. Mali, P.P. Dixit and Diksha B. Dhaware (2023). Isolation and Identification of Bacterial Isolates Associated with Post-surgical wound Infections at Tertiary Hospitals. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(4): 1057-1064