Frequency of Various Bacterial Pathogens in Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

Abstract

Background: Skin and soft tissue infections are important cause of morbidity and excess costs in health care systems.

Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted to determine frequency of bacterial pathogens causing skin and soft tissue infections and their drug resistance pattern.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pathology laboratory of Rai Medical College, Sargodha. Non-repetitive pus specimens received in laboratory were processed to isolate pathogens. Bacteria were identified on the basis of colony morphology and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed to detect susceptibility of organisms to various drugs.

Results: A total number of 123 pus samples were processed during the study period. Bacterial growth was obtained from 76.4% pus samples. Out of total isolates, 55.3% were Staphylococcus aureus, 23.4%Escherichia coli, 11.7% Klebsiella species, 3.2% Proteus species, 2.1% were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobactor and Enterococcus species each. Out of 52, all Staphylococcus aureus isolates were resistant to Penicillin, 61.5% were methicillin resistant and 38.5% were methicillin sensitive. Almost 80% of isolates were resistant to Ciprofloxacin, 86.5% to Azithromycin, 63.5% to Clindamycin and 44.2% to Tetracycline. Out of 40 gram negative isolates, 92.5% were Ampicillin resistant, 65% to Amoxillin-Clavulanic acid, 70% to Ceftriaxone, 57.5% to Cefepime, 30% to Piperacillin-Tazobactam, 40% to Cefoperazone-Sulbactam, 80% of isolates were resistant to Ciprofloxacin and Tetracyclines.

Conclusion: In addition to Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae with significant resistance to empirically used drugs were responsible for causing Skin and Soft tissue Infections.