The management of anaerobic infection in extensive burns

A survey of 300 patients with burns covering more than 30 per cent of the body surface area indicated that 33 patients had proven wound infection with anaerobic bacteria and 11 patients showed positive blood cultures. Although metronidazole was the anti-bacterial agent of choice for treating these 33 patients, treatment was not always successful since 7 patients died. The most common sites of infection were the perineum and upper parts of the legs.

Incidence of burn wound sepsis in 600 burned patients treated in a developing country

Infection is the most important problem in the treatment of burns in a developing country. A burn compromises a major body protective mechanism, namely the skin. Hence, the susceptibility to local infection increases at these sites. The incidence of burn wound sepsis is very high in south India as the socio-economic conditions and the standard of personal hygiene are poor and the hot moist climatic conditions encourage bacterial growth. These three factors are rarely present in the temperate zone countries of Europe and North America. This study was undertaken to identify more clearly the factors that are responsible for the higher incidence of burn wound infection and to formulate methods of treatment which are appropriate for our patient population living in a tropical country.