Fungal Burn Wound Infection

Abstract

The causative organisms of burn wound infection are aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, fungi, and yeasts [1,2]. Viral burn wound infection is rarely reported but does occur. Herpes virus family, including herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus, are the most frequent causative agents [3]. However, bacteria are the predominant isolates of burn wound infection. Aspergillus species are the most common cause of fungal burn wound infection [4,5]. Regarding the yeast species, Candida albicans is the prevailing cause of burns infection [5-7]. The incidence of fungal infection in burn patients is reported to be 6.3% to 15% [5,8].The extensive use of local and systemic antibiotics is a predisposing factor for fungal and yeast burn wound infections. Districts with warm and moist climate is also increasing the susceptibility for fungal burn wound infection [4]. Burned patients might acquire fungal infection from of burn care units’ appendages where the fungal infectious agents are settled in the nearby vicinity of patients such as walls, beds, mattresses, and dressing instruments. Aspergillus niger was found to be the most frequent isolate from both burn wounds as well as burn care units accessories. Indicating that the source of fungal infection was acquired from patients’ surroundings [4]. Shared use of dressing instruments and dressing tubs could be another source for fungal and yeast infection.