Intractable bacterial infections in surgical patients

Although many new antibiotics became available for clinical use, intractable bacterial infections are still major cause of morbidity and mortality in surgical patients. The infections are attributable to multiple factors. Surgical stress such as extensive burns and major surgery results in the depressed host-defense function, which is mediated by cytokine responses. Necrotic tissue, ischemia, hematoma, cholelithiasis, foreign bodies, indwelling catheters, intra-tracheal tubes, and other medical devices are local factors making infection resistant to ordinary chemotherapy. Multi-resistant bacteria such as methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas, and ampicillin resistant enterococci are the main bacteria causing the infections. 32% of surgical specimens isolated two or more bacteria, making the chemotherapy difficult in clinical setting. Importance of surgical drainage, removal of necrosis and the devices are emphasized.