Microbiological findings in patients with burns. An analysis of 253 patients admitted to the Copenhagen Burn Center in 1985
Laursen, H.; Kjaeldgaard, P.; Thomsen, M.; Rosdahl, V.T.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 150(29): 1786-1789
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 3420695 Document Number: 308030
A total of 253 patients admitted to the Copenhagen Burns Center in 1985 were investigated microbiologically regardless of the cause of the burn and the depth and extent of the burn. The "potentially pathogenic" microorganisms included: Staphylococcus aureus, haemolytic streptococci, groups A, B, C/G, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, all Enterobacteriaceae, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and Candida albicans when found in relevant samples i.e. from burns, lower respiratory tract and blood culture. The above-mentioned microorganisms were found in these samples in 82% of the patients regardless of age. Significant differences were, however, present in the occurrence in burns with extents of more than or less than 5% of the body surface, in 99% as compared with 69% of the patients, respectively. This holds also true for patients with deep and superficial burns in which microorganisms were demonstrated in 88% and 74%, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus occurred most frequently and during the entire period of hospitalization. Gram-negative rods were demonstrated later in the course of hospitalization, particularly in elderly patients and patients with deep burns. Multiresistant bacteria were rarely demonstrated and were most frequently imported. 93% of the strains of Staphylococcus aureus were resistant to penicillin only.