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The pattern of burn infection in the Singapore National Burns Centre
Abstract:
As part of the multi-pronged strategy in the fight against burn infection, we conducted a retrospective study of the pattern of infection in our burn patients for a period of 15 months from January 1993 to March 1994. We studied culture and sensitivity reports to determine the incidence of each organism, their antibiotic sensitivity patterns and the time interval between the burns injury and the appearance of these organisms. Organisms like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multiply-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii constituted a problem in our patients. Other organisms that were isolated from our patients included Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter species and Klebsiella species. The infection control measures in our burns centre are aimed at combating the spread of gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. This study has helped to influence our antibiotic administration policy for treating infection in our centre based on the sensitivity patterns of the prevailing flora.
Insights
This study analyzed burn infection patterns over 15 months, identifying problematic organisms like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Acinetobacter baumannii. Findings informed antibiotic policies to combat prevalent gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
- Burn Care
Background:
- Burn infections pose a significant threat to patient recovery.
- Effective strategies are crucial for combating microbial resistance in burn units.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze the patterns of burn infections.
- To identify prevalent microorganisms and their antibiotic sensitivity.
- To inform infection control and antibiotic administration policies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of burn patients from January 1993 to March 1994.
- Analysis of culture and sensitivity reports.
- Determination of organism incidence, antibiotic sensitivity, and time to infection onset.
Main Results:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii were identified as significant pathogens.
- Other isolated organisms included Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter, and Klebsiella species.
- Data revealed specific sensitivity patterns influencing treatment decisions.
Conclusions:
- Understanding local microbial flora and resistance patterns is vital for effective burn infection management.
- Study findings directly influenced the antibiotic administration policy in the burn center.
- Targeted infection control measures are necessary against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.