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Pathogenic bacteria in an orthopaedic hospital in India
Alok C Agrawal1, Shuddhatma Jain, R K Jain
1Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College and Hospital, Jabalpur, M P, India. dralokcagrawal@yahoo.co.in
Background:
The problem of changes in pathogenic microbiological flora and the emergence of bacterial resistance has created major problems in the management of orthopaedic diseases and fractures. Due to the use of implants for open reduction and internal fixation, which are foreign bodies to the body, orthopaedic trauma surgery is at grave risk of microbiological contamination and infection.
Methodology:
With new microbiological agents in vogue, we have conducted a retrospective study to determine the pattern of bacterial infection, sensitivity to various antimicrobial agents, and their relations to various orthopaedic illnesses and procedures.
Results:
Gram negative (E. coli and Pseudomonas spp.) infections have emerged as the major threat (74.37%) in orthopaedic cases in contrast to Staphylococcus aureus (23.31%). These bacteria infected patients with open fractures (34.3%), spinal instrumentation with bedsores (23.31%), osteomyelitis of bone (24.42%) and guillotine amputation stumps (14.43%).
Conclusion:
Cefaperazone and ceftriaxone were found to be the most effective antibiotics against gram negative bacteria while cefaperazone was equally effective against S. aureus. Emerging resistance was found against amoxicillin, ampicillin and the aminoglycoside: amikacin.
Insights
Gram-negative bacteria, particularly E. coli and Pseudomonas, are the primary cause of infections in orthopaedic patients, showing resistance to common antibiotics like amoxicillin. Cefaperazone and ceftriaxone demonstrate effectiveness against these pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Rising antibiotic resistance and changing pathogenic flora complicate orthopaedic disease and fracture management.
- Orthopaedic trauma surgery faces significant risks of contamination and infection due to implants used in internal fixation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the patterns of bacterial infection in orthopaedic cases.
- To determine the sensitivity of prevalent bacteria to antimicrobial agents.
- To correlate infection patterns with specific orthopaedic conditions and procedures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study design.
- Analysis of microbiological data from orthopaedic patients.
- Evaluation of bacterial sensitivity to various antimicrobial agents.
Main Results:
- Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli, Pseudomonas spp.) accounted for 74.37% of infections, compared to Staphylococcus aureus (23.31%).
- Infections were prevalent in open fractures (34.3%), spinal instrumentation with bedsores (23.31%), osteomyelitis (24.42%), and amputation stumps (14.43%).
Conclusions:
- Cefaperazone and ceftriaxone are effective against gram-negative bacteria; cefaperazone is also effective against S. aureus.
- Emerging resistance to amoxicillin, ampicillin, and amikacin was observed.
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