Objectives To evaluate the incidence, bacteriological profile, and antibiotic sensitivity patterns of surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients undergoing surgeries in the department of General Surgery at a tertiary care hospital. Material and Methods This prospective observational study was conducted over a two-month period from September 2022 to October 2022. Among 119 patients who underwent major surgeries, 15 clinically diagnosed cases of SSIs were included. Pus samples from infected wounds were collected and processed using standard microbiological techniques, including Gram staining, culture on selective media, biochemical characterization, and antibiotic susceptibility testing by the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Results The incidence of SSIs was found to be 12.6%. Culture positivity was observed in 66.7% of cases, with Gram-negative organisms predominating. Escherichia coli ( E. coli − 50%) was the most common isolate, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (30%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10%), and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus aureus (10%). E. coli showed 100% resistance to cotrimoxazole, amoxicillin, clavulanic acid, and levofloxacin. High levels of resistance were also noted for multiple antibiotics among K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa . The majority of SSIs were observed in exploratory laparotomy procedures and were more frequent among diabetic and smoking patients. Conclusion SSIs remain a significant postoperative complication, with Gram-negative multidrug-resistant organisms being the predominant pathogens. The study underscores the need for regular surveillance of microbial patterns and resistance trends to inform hospital-specific antibiotic policies and promote rational antibiotic use. Identification of modifiable risk factors can aid in targeted preventive strategies to improve surgical outcomes.
Sandeep Varma Manthena (Thu,) studied this question.