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Trends in post-operative infections by Gram-positive bacteria
1Medical Microbiology Division, C606 GH, Department of Pathology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. franklin-koontz@uiowa.edu
International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents
|January 4, 2001
Summary
Surgical site infections are increasing due to patient factors and evolving pathogens. Antimicrobial resistance is rising, necessitating enhanced infection control and surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Surgical patients face increased post-operative infection risk due to aging, comorbidities, immunosuppression, and complex procedures.
- The landscape of infectious agents causing surgical site infections has shifted over the past decade.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze changes in the incidence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of common pathogens in surgical infections.
- To compare data from 1988 and 1998 to identify trends in infectious agents and their resistance.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of antimicrobial surveillance data from the SENTRY Program (North America, Latin America, Europe).
- Examination of isolate data from 1988 and 1998, focusing on Gram-positive bacteria.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus became a more dominant Gram-positive isolate, doubling its share.
- Significant increases in antimicrobial resistance were observed for common antibiotics, including the emergence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE).
Conclusions:
- The rise in antimicrobial resistance among surgical pathogens poses a significant challenge to effective treatment.
- A multi-faceted approach including disinfection, prophylaxis, novel antibiotics, stringent infection control, and global epidemiological studies is crucial.