Microbial Profile and Antibiotic Sensitivity Patterns in Open Fractures: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Microbiology

Background:

• Open fractures present a high risk of infection due to exposed bone and compromised soft tissues.
• Prompt antibiotic administration and wound debridement are vital for preventing complications.
• Regional variations in microbial flora and antibiotic resistance necessitate local data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the microbial profile and antibiotic sensitivity patterns in open fractures.
• To identify risk factors for infection in open fractures.
• To determine the most effective and cost-efficient antibiotic for empirical treatment.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 67 adult patients with open fractures over 24 months.
• Wound swabs collected within or after 6 hours of injury and cultured.
• Antibiotic sensitivity assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method.

Main Results:

• Overall culture positivity was 28.4%, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most common pathogen.
• Infection rates were significantly higher for swabs taken after 6 hours (58.3% vs. 21.8%).
• Doxycycline showed the highest sensitivity (57.9%) and cost-effectiveness, followed by amikacin and linezolid.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights a 28.4% infection rate in open fractures, predominantly by S. aureus.
• Delayed wound sampling and diabetes mellitus are significant risk factors for infection.
• Early wound sampling (within 6 hours) and doxycycline are recommended for optimal management.