Emerging gram-negative infections in burn wounds
Ernest A Azzopardi1, Sarah M Azzopardi, Dean E Boyce
1Wound Biology Group, Cardiff University, United Kingdom.
Summary
Emerging Gram-negative burn wound infections are increasingly concerning, with Aeromonas hydrophila identified as a significant pathogen. Understanding these infections is crucial for managing burn patient care and predicting susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Burn Care
- Microbiology
Background:
- Gram-negative infections significantly impact burn patient morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.
- Limited multinational epidemiological data exists for Gram-negative burn wound infections.
- Identifying emerging pathogens is vital for proactive clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature trends in emerging Gram-negative burn wound infections over the past 60 years.
- To identify pathogens of increasing concern to burn physicians.
- To develop patient profiles predicting susceptibility to these infections.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of Gram-negative burn wound infections.
- Analysis of pathogen trends and prevalence.
- Characterization of patient demographics and burn characteristics.
Main Results:
- Aeromonas hydrophila was the predominant emerging pathogen (76% of publications), with a 10.7% mortality rate.
- Typical patient profile: mean age 33.7 years, 41.1% TBSA, 27.7% full-thickness burns, male predominance (81.3%).
- Other identified pathogens include Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Vibrio spp., Chryseobacterium spp., Alcaligenes xylosoxidans, and Cedecia lapigei.
Conclusions:
- Emerging Gram-negative infections, though currently a minority, pose significant clinical challenges due to multidrug resistance and high mortality.
- Aeromonas hydrophila infections in burn patients require increased clinical recognition and targeted management strategies.
- Understanding predisposing factors, such as untreated water exposure, is key to preventing these infections.
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