A study of wound infections in two health institutions in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

The microbiological analysis of wound infection in 102 patients was undertaken in the outpatient departments of the University Teaching Hospital and the Health Centre in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The location and type of wound was considered and identification of bacterial isolates was determined by standard microbiological techniques. Forty per cent of wound types was attributed to trauma and in most cases, were located at the extremities. A total of one hundred and sixty two bacterial isolates were obtained from wound cultures. In 39 cases, cultures were monomicrobial, 55 cultures were polymicrobial but no bacterial isolate was obtained in eight cases. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant microorganism (25%) followed by Escherichia coli (12%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (9%). The diversity of microorganisms and the high incidence of polymicrobic flora in this study give credence to the value of identifying one or more bacterial pathogens from wound cultures. Continuous dialogue between the microbiology department and wound care practitioners and education of patients on personal hygiene is strongly advised.