The bacteriology of amputated stump at a tertiary orthopedic and trauma hospital in northern Nigeria

Background: There are several reasons why large limbs are amputated, including tumors, peripheral vascular disease, and trauma. A below-knee amputation is the most common form of this threat, which truly affects young males. The most frequent consequence is wound infection, with the most often cultured organisms being Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Quinolone antibiotics are the most sensitive. Methods: The study was a hospital based prospective study carried out between Au 2014 to July, 2015. Patients undergoing Major Limb amputation at the hospital who gave consent within the study period were enrolled. A proforma was used to collect data as regards the bio-data, clinic-pathological details and the outcome of management such as: clinical complications with specific interest to wound infection, the organism culture and its sensitivity there of were taken. SPSS version 16 for windows was used to analyze data and information represented in chats and tables. Result: The prospective, hospital-based study was conducted from August 2014 to July 2015. Participants were hospitalized patients undergoing major limb amputation who consented during the study period. Data on bio-data, clinic-pathological information, and management outcomes, including clinical consequences with particular interest to wound infection, organism culture, and its sensitivity thereto, were gathered using a proforma. Data and information displayed in tables and chats were analyzed using SPSS version 16 for Windows. Conclusion: Trauma is the most frequent reason for limb amputation, which is more likely in young people and men. The most common complication is wound infection, with staphylococcal infection and pseudomonas aeruginosa being the most prevalent organisms. Of all the organisms found, quinolones are the most sensitive.