Wound Infections caused by susceptible bacteria
Wound Infections caused by susceptible bacteria
Wound infections are a common complication in hospitals and in clinical practice. Wound infections can be caused by a variety of bacterial and fungal organisms. Some bacteria are responsible for more severe infections than others. Therefore, knowledge about the bacteria that are most likely to cause wound infections is important for healthcare professionals to manage and prevent wound infections.
The most common bacteria that cause wound infections are:
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Streptococcus pyogenes
- Clostridium perfringens
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Enterococcus faecalis
- Escherichia coli
- Bacillus cereus
Staphylococcus aureus is the most prevalent bacteria responsible for wound infections, with a rate of 25–40%. This bacterium is characterized by its ability to produce a wide range of toxins, making it particularly difficult to treat. Staphylococcal infections can range from minor skin lesions to life-threatening systemic infections.
Streptococcus pyogenes is the second most common bacteria responsible for wound infections, occurring in up to 30–35% of cases. These bacteria produce haemolysins which can damage surrounding tissue and lead to more serious infection.
Clostridium perfringens can cause severe and necrotizing infections, leading to tissue death. This bacterium is responsible for up to 10% of all wound infections.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium that is usually found in the soil, water and sewage. It is capable of causing severe and life-threatening infections, such as sepsis. This bacterium is associated with up to 10–20% of wound infections.
Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen that is responsible for up to 5–10% of wound infections. Its presence is usually associated with contamination of the wound by contaminated medical instruments or materials.
Enterococcus faecalis is a Gram-positive bacterium that is capable of causing infections of the skin, soft-tissues and urinary tract. It is the cause of 2–5% of reported wound infections.
Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative bacterium that is commonly found in the gut. It is the cause of up to 1–3% of all wound infections.
Bacillus cereus is a Gram-positive bacterium that is found in soil, food and in the human body. It is capable of causing severe and life-threatening infections if it enters the blood stream. It is responsible for 1–2% of all wound infections.
In conclusion, wound infections can be caused by a variety of bacterial and fungal organisms. The most common causes are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Clostridium perfringens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus.