PATTERN OF PATHOGENS AND THEIR SENSITIVITY ISOLATED FROM SURGICAL SITE INFECTIONS AT THE AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, NAIROBI, KENYA

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In low income countries, surgical site infections (SSIs) are costly and impose a
heavy and potentially preventable burden on both patients and healthcare providers. This study aimed
to determine the occurrence of SSI, pathogens associated with SSI, the antibiogram of the causative
pathogens and specific risk factors associated with SSI at the hospital. METHODS: Two hundred and
sixty-eight respondents admitted for general surgical procedures (other than neurological and
cardiothoracic surgeries) at the Aga Khan University Hospital were eligible to take part in the study.
Post-surgery patients were observed for symptoms of infection. Follow ups were done through the
consulting clinics, breast clinic and casualty dressing clinic by a team of surgeons. In cases of
infection, pus swabs were collected for culture.
RESULTS: SSI incidence rate was 7.0%, pathogens isolated from SSI included gram negative enteric
bacilli and S. aureus which was the most prevalent bacterial isolate. Only one isolate of MRSA was
found and all staphylococci were susceptible to Vancomycin. Preoperative stay ≥ 2 days and wound
class were the risk factors associated with SSI.
CONCLUSION: The SSI incidence rates (7.0%) observed in this study were relatively lower than the
ones documented in other studies in Kenya. S. aureus is the most prevalent pathogen associated with
SSI. Similar to findings from other studies done in the region; prolonged hospital stay and dirty
wounds were the risks associated with postsurgical sepsis at the hospital.