Microbial Trends and Antibiotic Sensitivity in Treating Abscesses: A Clinical Audit

Abstract Background: Optimal management of bacterial abscesses involves drainage and targeted antimicrobial therapy. This audit aimed to analyze therapeutic variations within a clinical institution, correlating them with patient outcomes and assessing adherence of treating teams to the established protocols. Materials and Methods: This clinical audit followed an established audit cycle model. We retrospectively analyzed data from 153 patients (aged 2–75 years) with confirmed bacterial abscesses admitted between January 1 and December 31, 2016, at a tertiary hospital. Exclusion criteria included sterile, nonbacterial abscesses, and incomplete records. Data extracted from admission logs and electronic health records included demographics, surgical intervention time, microorganisms, antibiotic sensitivity profiles, administered antibiotics, comorbidities, and outcomes (resolution, complications, and mortality). Data were coded for anonymity. Results: Of the 153 patients, 96% had cutaneous and soft tissue abscesses, with a mean age of 33.1 ± 16.3 years. The perianal region was the most common site (30%). Common isolates included Staphylococcus aureus (16%), Escherichia coli (14%), and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (10%). Culture and sensitivity testing was performed in 86% of patients, with 22% showing no growth. Only 26% of prescribed antibiotics aligned with sensitivity results. A significant correlation was found between hospital stay length and patient outcomes ( P = 0.042). Conclusion: While incision, drainage, and hospital stay lengths were well-managed, there’s a substantial need to improve antimicrobial selection and adherence to sensitivity results to minimize microbial resistance. These findings necessitate developing a tailored plan with key performance indicators to complete the audit cycle and achieve necessary improvements.