Does the Covid-19 pandemic have an effect on wound culture in patients undergoing appendectomy? A Case Control Study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of the changing microbiota structure during the pandemic period on the bacterial aerobic culture profile of the wound taken from patients operated for acute appendicitis, together with clinical variables. Material and Method:Our study included 125 patients who underwent an appendectomy in the General Surgery Clinic between 01.03.2019-01.02.2021 and whose wound culture was taken during an appendectomy. The patients were divided into two groups; group1 (pre-pandemic) and group2 (during a pandemic). Both groups were compared in terms of age, gender, clinical, laboratory and wound culture data.Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, clinical symptoms, surgical method, laboratory and radiological data (p>0.05). In the pre-pandemic group, there was growth of Escherichia coli in 35 (53%) patients, Klebsiella pneumoniae in 3 (4.5%) patients, and Pseudomanas aeruginosae in 2 (3) patients from Gram-negative bacteria while Streptecoccus anginosus and Strep. constellatus growth were most common from Gram-positive bacteria. In the pandemic group, there was the growth of E. coli in 29 (49.2%) patients, P. aeruginosae in 5 (8.5%) patients, K. pneumoniae in 2 (3.4%) patients from Gram-negative bacteria, Citrobacter freundii and Strep. anginosus growth were the most common from Gram-positive bacteria. E. coli is the most common bacteria in both groups.Conclusion: Although E. coli was found to be the most frequently identified microorganism in patients with acute appendicitis, an increase in the density and resistance of Pseudomonas group bacteria were detected, possibly due to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.