Defined and refined: criteria for identifying wound infection revisited

Abstract

Clinical criteria for the identification of wound infection are regularly based on a list created by Cutting and Harding (1994). This list was established from empirical data generated in a large, multidisciplinary clinical practice, and is now widely accepted as a seminal article in wound care. Both Cutting (1998) and Gardner et al (2001) have conducted validation exercises on these wound infection criteria, based on the assumption that the criteria broadly apply to most wound types. Although many of the original criteria do apply across the spectrum of wound types, the major categories of wounds should be considered separately to avoid the possibility of overlooking the presence of infection. The focus of this article is a review of the published literature on wound infection criteria for acute and surgical wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, venous and arterial leg ulcers, pressure ulcers and burns. All known criteria for each wound type are presented, as well as an outline of the ongoing research project to refine the criteria by wound type using a Delphi panel technique. No attempt has been made to correlate visual signs and symptoms with microbiological sampling techniques. It is clear that there are subtle variations between infection criteria for wound types and that these should be recognized if treatment is to be given appropriately and promptly, and morbidity avoided.

Prevalence of Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Surgical Site and Wound Infection among Patients Admitted in some selected Hospitals in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria

“…The implication is that, most wounds will be infected with Gram positive bacteria since they form the major commensals of the skin. This agrees with previous study of Cutting and White (2004), who reported that pathogens that infect the wound are primarily grampositive bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and gram-negative Tesfahunegu et al, 2009;Gedebou et al, 1987). Similar results have been obtained in Ghana (Newman et al, 2006), Nigeria (Okesola and Oni, 2000) and Uganda (Anguzu and Olila, 2007).…”

Jordanian Nurses’ Knowledge of Preventing Surgical Site Infections in Acute Care Settings

“…However, these symptoms may intense when SSI occur [3]. Furthermore, SSIs are associated with redness, heat, pain, swelling, hyperthermia as temperature greater than 38 degrees centigrade, purulent discharge, and abscess or cellulitis directly related to the surgical site [23]. Moreover, in Sweden, a study conducted to evaluate quality of life of patients with sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery, it was found that if those patients survive, SSI is a very serious complication that negatively impact their quality of life [24].…”

Wounds research for patient benefit: a 5-year programme of research

“…These characteristics are sometimes referred to collectively as the signs and symptoms of critical colonisation. 212,213 DOI: 10.3310/pgfar04130 PROGRAMME GRANTS FOR APPLIED RESEARCH 2016 VOL. 4 NO.…”