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Cultured Bacteria in the Abdominal Wall Incision During the Realisation of Caesarean Section in Cows: A Preliminary
Salem Djebala1,2, Elise Coria2, Florian Munaut2
1Farm Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College of Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, D04W6F6 Dublin, Ireland.
Abstract:
Although caesarean section (CS) is a common surgery, the bacteria contaminating the abdominal incision during this operation are not documented. This study aimed to enhance perioperative antibiotic therapy and reduce post-operative surgical site infections by describing the bacteria contaminating the abdominal incision during CS. Bacterial culture was performed on swabs sampled from the abdominal incision (muscular layers) of 23 cows during the realisation of CS. Bacteriology was positive in 6/22 samples. while 16/22 were negative (p = 0.03), and one sample was contaminated. All identified bacteria were aerobic, and 8/14 isolates were Gram-positive and 6/14 were Gram-negative (p = 0.7). The most encountered species were Acinetobacter spp., Aerococcus viridans, Neisseria spp. and Streptococcus spp.; other species were isolated only once. The abdominal incision of elective CS can be contaminated by ubiquitous aerobic Gram-positive and Gram-negative species coming from the environment. This contamination might be avoided by using a better aseptic protocol and by improving the conditions in which CSs are performed. However, more samples are required, and antibiotic susceptibility determination is needed to identify the adequate pre-operative antibiotic.
Insights
Caesarean sections (CS) can introduce environmental bacteria to abdominal incisions. Improved aseptic techniques during CS may reduce surgical site infections by preventing contamination by aerobic bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Microbiology
- Animal Health
Background:
- Caesarean section (CS) is a frequent surgical procedure in veterinary medicine.
- The specific bacteria contaminating abdominal incisions during CS are not well-documented.
- Understanding this contamination is crucial for improving perioperative antibiotic strategies and reducing post-operative infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify bacteria contaminating abdominal incisions during bovine CS.
- To provide data for enhancing perioperative antibiotic therapy.
- To reduce the incidence of post-operative surgical site infections.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial cultures were performed on swabs from the abdominal incision (muscular layers) of 23 cows undergoing CS.
- Samples were analyzed for bacterial presence and identification.
- Statistical analysis was used to compare positive and negative bacteriology results.
Main Results:
- Bacteriology was positive in 6 out of 22 samples (27.3%), with 16 negative (72.7%).
- All identified bacteria were aerobic, comprising both Gram-positive and Gram-negative species.
- The most common isolates included *Acinetobacter* spp., *Aerococcus viridans*, *Neisseria* spp., and *Streptococcus* spp.
Conclusions:
- Bovine abdominal incisions during elective CS can be contaminated by ubiquitous aerobic bacteria from the environment.
- Enhanced aseptic protocols and improved surgical conditions may minimize contamination.
- Further research, including antibiotic susceptibility testing, is needed to guide effective pre-operative antibiotic selection.
