PREVALENCE OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA IN WOUND INFECTIONS IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium and a major cause of hospital-acquired infections globally. Its metabolic adaptability and multidrug resistance make it especially dangerous in immunocompromised individuals. Commonly found in water, soil, and hospital environments, it can cause severe infections including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and chronic wound infections. Its persistence and resistance have led the World Health Organization to classify it among critical priority pathogens for the development of new antibiotics. Objective: To determine the prevalence of P. aeruginosa in wound infections across three major teaching hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan, and evaluate key epidemiological factors contributing to its occurrence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using 57 wound swab samples collected from Mardan Medical Complex (MMC), Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH), and Saidu Teaching Hospital (STH). Samples were processed using standard microbiological protocols, including culturing on Blood Agar and MacConkey Agar, followed by Gram staining and biochemical testing (catalase, oxidase, citrate, and indole tests). The data were analyzed with SPSS version 26.0 and Microsoft Excel, with findings expressed in frequencies and percentages. Results: Out of 57 samples, 22 (38.6%) tested positive for P. aeruginosa. Hospital-wise distribution showed 9 cases (40.9%) at MMC, 7 (31.8%) at KTH, and 6 (27.3%) at STH. All isolates displayed beta-hemolysis on Blood Agar, non-lactose fermentation on MacConkey Agar, and were confirmed as Gram-negative rods. Biochemical testing revealed 100% positivity for catalase and citrate utilization, 95% for oxidase, and 0% for indole. Infections were more frequent in males (63.6%) and in the 41–60 age group (36.4%). Conclusion: The significant prevalence of P. aeruginosa in wound infections across hospitals in KPK calls for stronger infection control protocols and localized antibiotic stewardship. The higher incidence among males and middle-aged adults highlights potential occupational or comorbid risk factors. Broader regional studies are necessary to assess resistance patterns and support effective clinical decision-making.