Bacteriological profile and antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of wound infections in burns ward of a tertiary care hospital: a retro-prospective study

Abstract Background: Nosocomial infections pose a significant risk to burn patients, contributing to high rates of morbidity and mortality. Burn injuries, particularly in developing countries, present a major public health concern. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the microorganisms present in burn wounds to guide effective treatment strategies. This study aims to determine the prevalence of bacteria isolated from burn wounds and to evaluate their antimicrobial sensitivity profiles. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study collected data from January to July 2022 and from January to July 2023. Lab reports of all swabs collected from burn wounds for microbial identification and antibiotic sensitivity profile were noted down. The data were analyzed manually using MS Excel and presented as frequencies and graphs. Results: Of the 152 wound samples, 82% showed bacterial growth, whereas 18% showed no growth. The most frequently isolated organism was Pseudomonas (40%), followed by Staphylococcus (20%), Acinetobacter (17.6%), Klebsiella (16.8%), Enterobacter (3.2%), Citrobacter (1.6%), and Chryseobacterium (0.8%). Colistin, polymyxin B, vancomycin, and linezolid were the most effective antibiotics. Conclusion: The predominant bacterial isolates were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus . For treatment, colistin or levofloxacin may be used against Pseudomonas , vancomycin or rifampicin against Staphylococcus , colistin or tigecycline against Acinetobacter , and cefoperazone–sulbactam or linezolid against Klebsiella as reserved antibiotic options.