Authors : B Nagoba; R Raju; B Wadher; R Gandhi; AK Rao; S Selkar; A Hartalkar
DOI : 10.13140/RG.2.1.1266.1524
Volume : 19
Issue : 2
Year : 2011
Page No : 82-86
Background: Surgical site infections are one of the most common hospital-acquired infections and are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. These infections are difficult to control and, if not treated in time, increase further morbidity. In the present study, an attempt was made to develop simple and effective treatment modality by using citric acid as a sole antimicrobial agent to control surgical site infections. Methods: A total of 70 cases of surgical site infections not responding to conventional treatment modalities were included in the present study. Pus from each case was processed for culture and susceptibility. Susceptibility of clinical isolates to citric acid was determined by broth dilution method. Three per cent citric acid ointment was applied to the wound daily once until it healed completely or showed formation of healthy granulation tissue. Results: Culture and susceptibility results showed P. aeruginosa (34.37%) as the commonest isolate and amikacin (58.33%) as the most effective agent. All the isolates were found to be inhibited by citric acid (MIC - 500 to 2,500 micograms/microlitres). Application of 3% citric acid to wounds resulted in complete healing of postoperative wounds or formation of healthy granulation tissue in 6 to 25 applications in 69 cases (98.57%). In 12 cases (17.14%) wounds were closed by suturing after formation of healthy granulation tissue. Conclusion: Citric acid treatment was found to be safe and useful in the treatment of surgical site infections. Hence, the topical use of citric acid is recommended, especially when the treatment of surgical site infections is a matter of great concern.