A BSTRACT Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most common postoperative complications, significantly impacting morbidity, hospital stay, and healthcare costs. Identifying the microbiological spectrum and resistance patterns is essential for effective management. Material and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Central India among 78 patients who developed SSIs following elective neurosurgical and laparotomy procedures. Pus/wound swab samples were collected aseptically and processed using standard culture methods. Isolates were identified, and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed as per CLSI guidelines. Results: Among 78 samples, 62.8% showed growth. E. coli (21.8%) and S. aureus (19.2%) were the most common isolates. Concomitant infections included UTI (46.5%), BSI (51.2%), and VAP (7%). E. coli showed 82.3% sensitivity to piperacillin-tazobactam and 53% to amikacin. S. aureus was 100% sensitive to vancomycin and linezolid. Klebsiella and Pseudomonas showed 75% and 42.8% sensitivity to piperacillin-tazobactam, respectively. Acinetobacter showed 50% sensitivity to meropenem. Conclusion: Gram-negative organisms, particularly E. coli and Klebsiella, were the leading SSI pathogens, with significant resistance to cephalosporins and carbapenems. The high MRSA prevalence highlights the need for stringent infection control and targeted antibiotic stewardship.
Agrawal et al. (Mon,) studied this question.