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[Staphylococcus epidermidis causing infections in trauma surgery]
Abstract:
During 27 months at the Tübingen Accident Hospital, Staphylococcus epidermidis could be found in 464 of 1824 bacteriological wound swabs. This normally had to be considered as contamination. However, in at least 69 cases, S. epidermidis alone undoubtedly caused or maintained a fresh or chronic infection of the bone and soft tissue following aseptic orthopedic surgery, whereby the infection was temporarily sustained by S. epidermidis during pathogen change. The findings are demonstrated and compared with the literature.
Insights
Staphylococcus epidermidis, often a contaminant, caused bone and soft tissue infections in 69 orthopedic surgery cases. This study highlights its role in post-operative orthopedic infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Analysis of 1824 wound swabs from Tübingen Accident Hospital over 27 months.
- Investigating the etiological role of Staphylococcus epidermidis in orthopedic surgical site infections.
Purpose:
- To determine the incidence and clinical significance of Staphylococcus epidermidis in orthopedic wound infections.
- To differentiate between contamination and true infection caused by S. epidermidis.
Summary:
- Staphylococcus epidermidis was identified in 464 (25.4%) of 1824 wound swabs.
- In 69 cases, S. epidermidis was the sole causative agent of acute or chronic bone and soft tissue infections post-orthopedic surgery.
- The pathogen also played a role in sustaining infections during shifts in microbial etiology.
Impact:
- Highlights the potential pathogenicity of Staphylococcus epidermidis in orthopedic surgery.
- Informs clinical practice regarding the interpretation of wound culture results.
- Suggests the need for vigilance in diagnosing S. epidermidis orthopedic infections.