Infection control in a Third World burn facility

A study of wound colonization by bacteria in 49 consecutive admissions was conducted over a 2-month period in patients with burns at King Edward VIII and Clairwood Hospitals, Durban, neither of which possess proper burn units. Specimens for culture were collected from patients, staff and the environment. Bacteria most frequently isolated were Staph. aureus, Klebsiella spp., Ps. aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp. Cross-infection occurred due to breakdown of aseptic techniques. Staff hands and contaminated baths and benches were also implicated. Recommendations to reduce cross-infection are presented.