Bacterial colonisation of the burn wound: a UK experience

Bacterial colonisation of the burn wound remains a major source of morbidity and mortality in burns patients. This study aimed to determine the presence of different micro-organisms in a UK regional burns centre and to examine the relationships between bacterial colonisation, burn size, length of hospital stay and delayed referral.

A retrospective review of microbiology surveillance swab results on all adult patients admitted to a regional burns centre over a 12-month period was performed.

139 adult patients were included in the study. Approximately 68% of patients showed evidence of burn wound colonisation at some point during their inpatient stay. The remaining 32% had negative microbiology swabs throughout their hospital stay. A total of 202 micro-organisms were isolated. Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the most common micro-organism, found in 79% of patients with positive swab results. A direct link was found between an increased incidence of bacterial colonisation and delay in referral of >24 hours, larger burn size and length of hospital stay.

By understanding the potential sources of bacteria and the effect of patient factors on their susceptibility to bacterial colonisation, we can form better management and treatment strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality from burns wound sepsis.