Wound infection

Wound infection is a medical condition where a wound is invaded by microorganisms, such as bacteria, which can cause inflammation and tissue damage. Wound infections can occur in all types of wounds, including surgical wounds, trauma wounds, and burns. They can lead to serious complications, such as sepsis, cellulitis, and abscess formation.

Causes

Wound infections are caused by the invasion of microorganisms into a wound. These microorganisms can come from the patient's own skin, the environment, or from contaminated instruments or dressings. The most common bacteria that cause wound infections are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a wound infection can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the type of bacteria involved. Common symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, warmth, and pus drainage from the wound. In severe cases, the patient may also experience fever, chills, and other signs of systemic infection.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a wound infection is usually based on the clinical signs and symptoms. In some cases, a sample of the pus or tissue from the wound may be sent to a laboratory for microbiological culture to identify the bacteria causing the infection.

Treatment

The treatment of a wound infection usually involves cleaning the wound, removing any dead tissue, and administering antibiotics. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to drain an abscess or remove infected tissue.

Prevention

Prevention of wound infections involves proper wound care, including cleaning the wound, changing dressings regularly, and using sterile techniques. In some cases, prophylactic antibiotics may be given to prevent infection.

See also

• Surgical site infection
• Cellulitis
• Abscess

Wound infection Resources
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