Acta Biomedica Scientia

TRENDS AND INCIDENCE OF NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS IN BURN PATIENTS: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS

Dr. Bovilla Subbareddy

Burn patients, Nosocomial infections, Microbial isolation, Antimicrobial resistance, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Staphylococcus aureus

Nosocomial infections are significant complications in hospitalized burn patients, contributing to increased mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs. Opportunistic pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter, and Staphylococcus aureus, are frequently associated with these infections, requiring effective management and prevention strategies. Objective: This study aimed to identify the bacterial pathogens responsible for nosocomial infections in burn patients admitted to IQ City Medical College, Durgapur, West Bengal, India, and evaluate changes in bacterial profiles over time. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted from 2016 to 2020, involving 82 burn patients. Data collected included age, total body surface area (TBSA) burned, severity of injury, hospital stay duration, ICU stay, mechanical ventilation, and survival status. Bacterial isolates from wound cultures were identified using standard microbiological techniques, including Agar, Eosin Methylene Blue, and Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 18. Results: A total of 406 bacterial isolates were identified, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (40%), Acinetobacter (17%), and Staphylococcus aureus (16%) being the most common pathogens. The colonization rate of Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter increased from 67% in the first week to 98% by the fourth week. Positive cultures were significantly associated with prolonged hospital stays and higher mortality rates. Among patients with positive cultures, 12% died, primarily due to infections involving Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas. Conclusion: Nosocomial infections in burn patients are predominantly caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens, with colonization rates escalating over time. Effective infection control measures, including strict hand hygiene, environmental decontamination, timely antimicrobial therapy, and continuous surveillance, are critical in reducing infection rates and improving outcomes for this vulnerable population. Further research and educational initiatives are essential to enhance the management of burn wound infections.