TITLE:
Surgical Site Infection in the Surgery Department of the University Clinics of Kisangani: Epidemiological, Bacteriological, and Antibiotic Resistance Aspects
AUTHORS:
Asaph Bwini Dianaben, Felly Kanyinda Ciamala, François Pikazio Mawa, Ralph Munsense Tshiyombo, Moïse Kasongo Madibulaya, Roger Amisi Kitoko, Freddy Wami W’Ifongo, Flavien Adipepe Bekale, Jean-Marie Vianney Tshimbila Kabangu
KEYWORDS:
Infection, Surgical Site, Bacterial Epidemiology, Antibiotic Resistance
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.13 No.12,
December
5,
2025
ABSTRACT: Surgical Site Infection (SSI) is a nosocomial infection occurring at the surgical wound site within 30 days post-operatively or within one year in the case of implanted material. The overall objective of this study was to investigate the epidemiological and bacteriological aspects and the antibiotic resistance of germs in patients who developed surgical site infections during their hospitalization in the surgery department of the Kisangani University Clinics in order to improve patient care. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection over a period of seven years (from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2024). It covered 74 cases of SSI with bacteriological results documented in their records. The sample was non-probabilistic and convenience-based. Results: Out of a total of 713 files collected from patients operated on for various conditions in different departments of the Surgery Department of the Kisangani University Clinics, 86 cases of SSI were recorded, representing a hospital prevalence of 12.06%. The most affected age group was between 21 and 30 years old, with a mean age of 45.25 ± 19.24 years. Males were predominant. A total of 79 bacteria were isolated, with 5 cases of infection caused by 2 bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus was predominant with 41.7%, followed by Escherichia coli with 17.7% and Citrobacter diversus with 11.4%. The sensitivity study showed reduced sensitivity to commonly used antibiotics. Conclusion: Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly found bacterium at 41.7%, followed by E. coli at 17.7%, and a significant rate of multi-resistant bacteria to commonly used antibiotics was noted.