Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus Implicated in Wound Sepsis Among Paediatric Patients in Abakaliki, Nigeria

Background and Objectives: Wound infections contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality among paediatric patients globally. The objectives of this study are to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus implicated in wound sepsis among paediatric patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 162 samples were collected from patients wound using sterile cotton swabs and presences of bacteria isolates were screened and their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were determined using standard microbiological procedures. Statistical analysis were done using SPSS version 16. Results: The prevalence of wound infection was 67.9% among the paediatric patients. The P. aeruginosa and S. aureus isolates had percentage of 24.1 and 56.8. There was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of both isolates at (p<0.05). P. aeruginosa and S. aureus had 67 (58.3%) prevalence from burns. Wound infection due to P. aeruginosa was 18 (15.7%) and S. aureus 49 (42.6%). In Orthopaedic unit, 43 (91.5%) had their wound infected by both organisms. Thus, P. aeruginosa had percentage of 38.2 and Staphylococcus aureus had 67.1. Ciprofloxacin (81.6% to 94.4%) was the most active antibiotic against the both isolates. Gentamicin and sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim also presented high susceptibility pattern among the isolates. Conclusion: Antibiotics misusage contributed heavily to the high prevalence of multi-drug resistant organisms obtained in this study. Therefore, treatment guidelines for use of antibiotics should be implemented to avoid indiscriminate use and there should be reviewed occasionally to ensure rational use of antibiotics by clinicians in treatment of patients.