Microbiological profile of bloodstream infections in burn patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among burn patients. The microbiological spectrum and resistance patterns of burn-related BSIs are strongly influenced by local antibiotic usage and infection control practices, underlining the need for institution-specific data. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in India to characterise the microbiological profile and antimicrobial resistance patterns of BSIs in burn patients. Blood cultures from 66 hospitalised burn patients were processed using standard microbiological methods, of which 25 yielded significant growth. Acinetobacter baumannii was the most frequently isolated pathogen, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. BSIs were significantly associated with flame burns, deep burns, diabetes mellitus, prolonged hospitalisation, and high levels of antimicrobial resistance, particularly among Gram-negative organisms. These findings emphasise the importance of locally generated antibiograms and targeted antimicrobial stewardship to guide empirical therapy and improve outcomes in burn patients.