The Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Bacterial Profile of Cesarean Surgical Site Infections at a University Teaching Hospital in South Western Uganda

Abstract

Introduction: The single most important risk factor for post-partum maternal infection is Cesarean section (C/S) with a 5-20-fold greater risk for infection compared to a vaginal delivery. Post Cesarean wound infection is diagnosed in 2.5 to 16 percent of patients. Early wound infections (in the first 24 to 48 hours) are usually due to group A or B beta-hemolytic streptococcus and are characterized by high fever and cellulitis while later infections are likely due to Staphylococcus epidermises or aureus, Escherichia coli, or Proteus species. Objectives: To determine the prevalence, risk factors and bacterial profile of wound sepsis following Cesarean at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH). Methods: A cross sectional study of mothers who delivered by Cesarean at MRRH was conducted. Mothers were recruited consecutively until the sample size was achieved. The main dependent variable was wound sepsis confirmed by a positive culture for microorganisms. Results: Of the 359 mothers recruited in the study, 54 (15.5%) developed Cesarean wound sepsis. The risk factors associated with post Cesarean wound sepsis were severe anemia, lack of preoperative antibiotics use, poor antenatal attendance, mothers referred from peripheral health facilities, abnormal Body Mass Index (BMI), diabetes mellitus, more than five vaginal examinations, prolonged rupture of membranes before C/S, and prolonged labour. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 48.2% of all the septic cases and most of the bacterial isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid and resistant to penicillin. Conclusion: The prevalence of post Cesarean wound sepsis is high with staphylococcus aureus being the most common bacteria isolated in infected wounds. Most of the bacteria were susceptible to third generation cephalosporins and quinolones. Antibiotics use was protective against developing wound sepsis.