Infections in burn patients--experience in a tertiary care hospital

A retrospective study was conducted at the Kanchi Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital to analyze the bacterial isolates from the wounds of patients admitted to the Burns Unit and to determine the sensitivity patterns of the commonly cultured organisms over a 6-year period, December 1998 to December 2004. A total of 535 samples were analysed. Single isolates were more common. Pseudomonas was the most commonly cultured organism followed by Staphylococcus aureus. Escherechia coli and Klebsiella were seen in equal numbers. ESBL rates were 37%. Antibiotic sensitivity patterns and periodic ESBL surveillance helped in selection of appropriate antibiotics.