Microbiologic study of the pathogens isolated from wound culture among Wenchuan earthquake survivors

On May 12, an unprecedented earthquake struck Wenchuan County, Sichuan, China, and 1823 victims were admitted to West China Hospital, Sichuan, China. A total of 464 nonduplicate clinical isolates from wounds of earthquake victims were analyzed. The results show that the most common pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus, but only 24.4% of the total isolates were Gram-positive bacteria, and 73.2% were Gram-negative bacteria. The isolates were significantly different from isolation pattern of 2004 tsunami in Thailand. The isolation rates of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producer and pandrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in this study might increase the risk of nosocomial infection. In this situation, clinical microbiologists, infection control staff, and administration decision makers should pay high attention to prevent disaster-associated nosocomial infections.