The prevalence and common bacteria causing post operative site infections among obstetric and gynecology patients at Kawempe National Referral Hospital

Abstract

Postoperative surgical site infections are an important health care associated (HAI) infection and one of the most frequent causes of post-operative morbidity. Among surgical patients in obstetrics, surgical site infections are the most common nosocomial infections, accounting for 38% of hospital acquired infections. A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out at Kawempe National Referral Hospital between 5 February and 30 March 2023 where data of 97 respondents were retrieved. We analyzed data from January 2021 up to December 2022 on women who had undergone operation. It was established that the prevalence of post-operative site infections was 34%. The most common bacteria causing post-operative site infections was Staphylococcus aureus 19 (57.6%), with the Enterococcus faecalis 1 (3.0%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1 (3.0%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae 1 (3.0%) being the least isolates. The most common associated risk factors for post-operative site infections among obstetrics and gynecology patients were BMI, level of Education, previous births, place of residence and operation duration. It was concluded that, the prevalence of post operative site infections at Kawempe National Referral Hospital was high with Staphylococcus aureus being the most common bacteria causing post operative site infections among obstetric and gynecology patients. Infection controls at Kawempe National Referral Hospital need to be strengthened by greater collaboration between different healthcare disciplines. Further research for monitoring of etiology agents from septic wounds and their susceptibility profile need to be done regularly.