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Fungal infection of burn wounds in patients with open and occlusive treatment methods

H A Mousa1

  • 1Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Basra, Iraq.

Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal = La Revue De Sante De La Mediterranee Orientale = Al-Majallah Al-Sihhiyah Li-Sharq Al-Mutawassit
|May 4, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Fungal infections in burn wounds are common, especially with Aspergillus and Candida species. Open wound treatment increases fungal infection risk compared to occlusive methods.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Burn Care

Background:

  • Burn wounds are susceptible to microbial colonization, including fungi.
  • Fungal infections can complicate burn wound healing and increase morbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence and types of fungal infections in burn wound patients.
  • To compare the occurrence of fungal infections between open and occlusive wound dressing methods.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study of 130 burn wound patients.
  • Fungal isolates were identified from patient specimens.
  • Treatment methods (open vs. occlusive dressing) were recorded.

Main Results:

  • 30 fungal isolates were recovered from 26 patients, most with concurrent bacterial infections.
  • Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp. were the predominant fungi.
  • Fungal infection occurred in 25.5% of patients with open dressing versus 16.0% with occlusive dressing.

Conclusions:

  • Open dressing methods are associated with a higher risk of fungal burn wound infections.
  • Tissue specimen cultures yield better fungal isolation rates than cotton swabs.

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