Prospective Evaluation of the Epidemiology and Microbiology of Surgical Site Infections

Date
2013-08-28
Authors
Turk, Ryen
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Guelph
Abstract

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are an emerging cause of increased morbidity, mortality, and treatment cost, in veterinary medicine. Medical records were searched to evaluate for associations that could increase the risk of developing SSIs. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors statistically, to determine their influence on SSI risk. An SSI incidence rate of 3.0% was found in this study for all small animal surgical procedures performed from September 2010 to July 2011, with implants, hypotension and surgical classification associated with increased likelihood of SSI. Active surveillance is crucial for the development of methods to prevent SSI's. Biofilms contribute to the antimicrobial resistance properties commonly found in bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, which is found in canines. An enzyme known as DispersinB was studied to assess its effect on biofilm formation and degradation. DispersinB prevented the formation and eradicated biofilm in vitro. In vivo testing is required to further assess the effects of DispersinB.

Description
Keywords
Surgical Site Infection, Biofilm, Antimicrobial Resistance, Staphylococcus
Citation