Burn wounds are one of the most common and devastating form of trauma. Infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in burn patients. This was a retrospective study conducted in Microbiology department of GMC JAMMU over a span of 6 months [JAN 2018- JUNE 2018]. Samples transported to microbiology laboratory were immediately processed and antibiotic sensitivity was performed according to standard laboratory procedures (CLSI guidelines).   Total of 101 samples were taken from 101 patients admitted in burn ward. Records of these swabs taken from burn wound patients were analysed. The most frequent isolates were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus. Antimicrobial sensitivity showed Imipenem was most effective drug among Gram negatives and Linezolid was most effective against Gram positive isolates. It is very crucial for every burn unit to determine specific pattern of burn wound colonization and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. This will enable early treatment of imminent septic episodes with proper empirical systemic antibiotics thus improving overall infection  related  morbidity and mortality.

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Dr Shashi S Sharma

Professor, PI and Nodal Officer, Dept. of Microbiology, GMC Jammu, India