Epidemiology and microbial profile of surgical site infections: a prospective study at a tertiary care hospital

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) represent a significant challenge in surgical practice due to their association with increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Understanding the epidemiology and microbial profile of SSIs is crucial for guiding preventive strategies and optimizing treatment outcomes.
Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study at the Department of Surgery, Government Medical College, Kathua, involving 208 patients undergoing surgical procedures. Demographic data, comorbidities, and clinical characteristics were recorded. Wound swabs were collected and subjected to gram staining, culture, and microbial identification using standard biochemical tests. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the incidence of SSIs and identify predominant pathogens.
Results: The study cohort comprised predominantly male patients with a mean age of 49.63 years, with a high prevalence of diabetes (89.9%), smoking (52.4%), and anemia (20.67%). Analysis of wound swabs revealed varying rates of infection based on wound classification, with the highest incidence observed in dirty wounds (41.66%). Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most commonly isolated pathogens, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Notably, multidrug-resistant strains including Acinetobacter species were identified, posing challenges for antimicrobial therapy.
Conclusion: Our study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology and microbial etiology of SSIs among surgical patients, highlighting the importance of demographic factors and wound contamination in predisposing the patients to infections. The identification of predominant pathogens, including multidrug-resistant strains, underscores the need for tailored antimicrobial therapy and comprehensive infection control measures to mitigate the burden of SSIs and improve patient outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of ongoing efforts to optimize preventive strategies and therapeutic interventions in surgical practice.