Prevalence of septic wound infections and common bacterial pathogens among patients attending the Mengo Hospital surgical ward.  A cross-sectional study.

Patricia Namukimba; Geofrey  Salamu; MR. BENJAMIN WATHUM OROMCAN; R. S Lugwana; T Mudolo; P  Kaketto; M Akullo; H Mabonga

doi:10.51168/en1x6016

Authors

Patricia Namukimba Mengo Hospital Training Institute.
Geoffrey Salamu Mengo Hospital Training Institute.
MR. BENJAMIN WATHUM OROMCAN Mengo Hospital Training Institute.
R. S Lugwana, Mengo Hospital Laboratory.
T Mudolo Mengo Hospital Laboratory.
P Kaketto Mengo Hospital Laboratory.
M Akullo Mengo Hospital Training Institute.
H Mabonga Mengo Hospital Training Institute.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/en1x6016

Keywords:

Septic wound infections, Bacterial pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Prevalence, Antimicrobial susceptibility testing

Abstract

Background:

The study aimed to determine the prevalence of septic wound infections and to identify common bacterial pathogens among septic wound patients attending the Mengo Hospital surgical ward.

Methodology:

A retrospective study was conducted at Mengo Hospital, Kampala, using laboratory and patient records from January 2023 to December 2025. The study included patients with clinically suspected wound sepsis whose samples underwent culture and sensitivity testing. A sample size of 227 was determined using the Kish and Leslie formula and selected through simple random sampling. Data were extracted using a structured form, analyzed descriptively, and presented in tables and charts. Quality control and ethical standards were strictly maintained throughout.

Results:

Among 227 participants, the largest proportion was aged 28–37 years (36.1%, n=82), followed by 38–47 years (32.6%, n=74), while those aged 1–17 years represented the smallest group (5.3%, n=12). Bacterial pathogens were isolated from 153 wound samples, yielding an overall prevalence of 67.4%, indicating that bacterial infection was present in more than two-thirds of septic wounds. The isolates comprised both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent pathogen, accounting for 31.4% (n=48) of all isolates, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 17.0% (n=26). Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae each constituted 15.0% (n=23), while Enterobacter species accounted for 6.5% (n=10). Other Gram-negative isolates contributed 9.2% (n=14), whereas Staphylococcus pseudointermedius and Staphylococcus haemolyticus accounted for 3.9% (n=6) and 2.0% (n=3), respectively.

Conclusion:

Septic wounds showed high bacterial infection, mostly in adults 28–47 years, with Gram-negative bacteria dominating; Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the leading pathogens.

Recommendation:

Healthcare workers at Mengo Hospital should strengthen infection prevention and control measures to reduce septic wound infections.

Author Biography

MR. BENJAMIN WATHUM OROMCAN , Mengo Hospital Training Institute.

DEAN MENGO HOSPITAL SCHOOL OF ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

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