Incidence and predictors of surgical site infection in a general surgery department in Algeria

Abstract

BackgroundLittle is known about the epidemiology of surgical site infection (SSI) in Algeria. To determine the incidence and predictors of SSI in the 70-bed general surgery department at the Blida University Hospital, a 1-year prospective study (May 2006 to April 2007) was conducted. MethodsSSIs were classified according to the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance (NNIS) System criteria and identified by bedside surveillance and post-discharge follow-up. Predictors were identified using a logistic regression model. ResultsOf 593 surgical procedures, 32 SSIs were identified (5.4%). Twenty-eight (43.8%) of the infections were diagnosed after discharge. The incidence of SSIs varied by procedure and risk category. On multivariate regression analysis, age (OR=1.35) and NNIS risk index (OR=3.02) were significant predictors of SSI. The causative pathogens were isolated in 12 (37.5%) of the 32 recorded SSIs. Staphylococcus aureus was predominant (n=5). ConclusionThe high SSI rates reported in this study suggest the need to implement preventive measures in the surgery department. Potential areas for intervention include antibiotic prophylaxis and shaving practices for skin preparation.