Microbiology of Surgical Site Infections after Gastrointestinal Surgery in the South Region of The Netherlands

ABSTRACT:

Aim: To give an overview of the microbiology of blood and wound samples from surgical site infections (SSIs) after gastrointestinal surgery, as well as the antimicrobial susceptibility of the microorganisms involved, and to discuss the appropriateness of the prophylactic antibiotics administered. Materials & methods: During a 3.5-year study period, wound swabs and blood samples of patients with an SSI were taken in the first 48 h after surgery until 30 days thereafter. Results: Most pathogens were isolated from wound swabs. Escherichia coli (25%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10%) were the most frequently found microorganisms. Both microorganisms showed a slight tendency towards a decrease in susceptibility for the tested antibiotics, although after correction, this was not significant. Conclusion: The comparison between wound swabs taken in the first 48 h after a surgical procedure and swabs in the 30 days thereafter provides important information concerning the microbiology of SSIs and the development of antibiotic resistance of the causative agents over time.

KEYWORDS:

• antimicrobial prophylaxis
• antimicrobial resistance
• gastrointestinal surgery
• surgical site infection

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge all infection control personnel at the Department of Microbiology and the medical specialists at the Department of Surgery of the Maastricht University Medical Center for their valuable contribution to the collection of the data.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Ethical conduct of research

Ethical approval for this project was granted by the Medical Ethics committee of the Maastricht University Medical Centre. Patients younger than 18 years old were not included due to ethical restrictions.