PROFILE OF BACTERIAL PATHOGENS IN SURGICAL SITE INFECTIONS AND THEIR ANTIBIOGRAM IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN SOUTHERN INDIA.

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication following surgery, contributing significantly to post­ operative morbidity and mortality. This study aims to identify the microorganisms responsible for SSIs and assess their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. Material and Methods:400 pus samples from suspected cases of surgical site infections were processed in accordance with Standard Microbiological Protocols. Utilising the Modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, the antibiotic susceptibility of the positive cultures was determined as per CLSI guidelines. Results: Out of the 400 samples processed, 180 samples showed growth in culture. Male patients had greater culture positivity (57.5%). Klebsiella pneumoniae accounted for 58% of all Gram-negative isolates, followed by E.coli (32%). Staphylococcus aureus (10%) was the sole isolate that was Gram-positive. The majority of Gram-negative were susceptible to Imipenem, Meropenem, Piperacillin/Tazobactam. Linezolid and Clindamycin were effective against the majority of Gram-positive isolates. Conclusion: Gram-negative bacilli were the most common pathogens in surgical site infections in our hospital area. To reduce the burden of SSI,a periodic examination of pathogenic organisms and their pattern of antibiotic susceptibility is required.