Determining the Frequency, Factors and Bacteriological Profile of Surgical Site Infection in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital of Western Uttar Pradesh

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) account for nearly 20% to 25% of all Health care associatedinfections (HCAIs) worldwide. SSI rates are reported to range from 2.5% to 41.9% resulting in highmorbidity and mortality. Settings and Design: A prospective study was carried out in a tertiary care teachinghospital of Western Uttar Pradesh to determine the frequency, factors and bacteriological profile of Surgicalsite Infections. Materials and Method: Patients, of all age group, gender and diagnosed as a case of SSI asper CDC clinical criteria were included. The demographic detail, diagnostic criteria, associated risk factorswere noted. Culture and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern was determined. Laboratory and clinical datawere analysed. Observations & Results: Significant determinants of SSIs were; male population, youngand middle age group, hot and humid climate, type II diabetes, prolonged duration of surgery and certainsurgical procedures such as lower segment caesarean section, cholecystectomy, laparotomy etc.The rateof SSI was 2.78% and culture positivity rate was (55.04 %). There was predominance of Gram negativebacteria (76.73%). Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (72.22%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (35.48 %)were the predominant bacteria isolated. The clinical isolates showed high level of resistance to variousantimicrobial agents.Conclusions: Knowledge about the factors responsible and the bacteriological profile of SSI will guide theclinicians in choosing the appropriate treatment options which will ultimately reduce the morbidity, cost andlead to better clinical outcome.