Burn wound microbiology and antimicrobial resistance patterns in a tertiary care burn unit in Northeast India
Parthapratim Dutta, Vehuto Puro, Thounaojam Jeffchand Luwang, Utpal Kumar BordoloiBackground:
Burn wounds are highly susceptible to microbial colonization and infection, particularly by multidrug-resistant organisms, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality in burn patients. Knowledge of local microbiological patterns is essential to guide empirical therapy and infection control practices.
Materials and Methods:
This prospective observational study included 100 burn patients admitted to a tertiary care burn unit in Northeast India. Burn size was assessed using the Lund and Browder chart, and burn depth was categorized as superficial, partial-thickness, or full-thickness. Wound swab cultures were obtained aseptically on day 0 (within 24 h of admission) and day 7. Bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed using an automated system in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was defined as nonsusceptibility to at least one agent in three or more antimicrobial classes.
Results:
Culture positivity increased from 25% on day 0 to 91% on day 7. Early cultures were dominated by
Conclusion:
Burn wound colonization rapidly shifts toward MDR Gram-negative organisms during hospitalization. Regular microbiological surveillance, culture-guided therapy, and strengthened infection control practices are essential to improve outcomes.