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Evaluation of preoperative hospitalization duration in skin flora
J C Coelho1, J Wiederkehr, H Lerner
1Department of Surgery and Microbiology, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba (PR), Brazil.
Abstract:
The skin microbial flora of 18 patients was evaluated during prolonged preoperative hospital stay. Five cultures for bacteria and fungi were obtained on different days: on admission one, three and seven days after admission and after skin disinfection with povidone-iodine solution. There was no change in the mean bacterial count from the admission day to seven days after admission. All but one culture obtained following skin disinfection were negative. Pathogenic bacteria were isolated in only one of each of the following culture day: admission, three and seven days after admission. All cultures were negative for yeasts. The findings suggest that the higher rate of wound sepsis observed in patients with long preoperative hospitalization may not be due to bacterial flora change.
Insights
Prolonged preoperative hospital stays did not alter skin microbial flora in patients. Skin disinfection effectively eliminated bacteria, suggesting wound sepsis may stem from factors other than changes in skin bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Prolonged preoperative hospitalization is associated with an increased risk of surgical site infections.
- The role of skin microbial flora changes during extended preoperative stays in wound sepsis is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the skin microbial flora of patients during prolonged preoperative hospitalization.
- To determine if changes in skin bacterial counts correlate with an increased risk of wound sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Skin cultures for bacteria and fungi were obtained from 18 patients on admission, days 1, 3, and 7, and after povidone-iodine disinfection.
- Bacterial counts and the presence of pathogenic bacteria and yeasts were analyzed.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in mean bacterial counts were observed from admission to day 7.
- Skin disinfection with povidone-iodine resulted in negative cultures in all but one patient.
- Pathogenic bacteria were infrequently isolated, and yeasts were not detected.
Conclusions:
- The skin's bacterial flora remains relatively stable during prolonged preoperative hospitalization.
- Skin disinfection is effective in reducing bacterial load.
- The study suggests that factors other than alterations in skin microbial flora may contribute to the higher incidence of wound sepsis in patients with long preoperative hospital stays.