Microbiological pattern of postcesarean wound infection at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki

Background: Cesarean section is one of the most common obstetric surgeries done in women of reproductive age group. Postcesarean wound infection is a worrisome occurrence despite the observation of aseptic techniques and administration of potent antibiotics. Common offending organisms include Staphylococcus species, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas species. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence, risk factors and common bacterial pathogens for surgical site infection (SSI), following cesarean section. Materials and Methods: A prospective surveillance was conducted at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, from July 2011 to August 2012 using a semi -structured questionnaire. The following risk factors were studied, age, parity, booking status, type of cesarean section, duration of labor and length of membrane rupture. Microbiologic culture of those that had wound infection was done. IBM ® SPSS ® statistical software 2007 version 16 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The prevalence of wound infection was 7.0%. There were 1301 deliveries out of which 399 (30.7%) had cesarean section, and 28 (7.0%) had wound infection following cesarean delivery. Booking status was the only factor that significantly influenced the occurrence of wound infection (P < 0.01). Staphylococcus aureus and Citrobacter spp. were the common organisms isolated. Conclusion: The prevalence of SSI following cesarean section was high and S. aureus and Citrobacter spp. were the common pathogens isolated.