Microbial culture between 2011 and 2013 from open-treated wounds in dogs and cats (initiation of therapy n=88, follow-up n=52) were compared to those from bite wounds (n=184).
Bacteria were identified and tested for antibiotic susceptibility by two accredited laboratories.
In total, 77/88 (88%) of open-treated wounds yielded positive bacterial cultures at the beginning of treatment, decreasing to 27/52 (52%) during treatment.
Upon initial evaluation, 42/88 (48 %) of open-treated wounds were considered infected with multi-drug-resistant bacteria, with a drop to 22/52 (41%) during therapy.
Bite wounds yielded fewer positive cultures 88/184 (48%) with only 11/182 (6%) being affected by multi-drug-resistant bacteria.
Bacteria found most commonly in open-treated wounds were Enterococcus subspecies, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
The bacterial populations of open-treated wounds differed markedly from the bite wounds.
The high incidence of multi-drug-resistant strains in open wounds highlights the need for alternatives to antibiotics.
Source: Nolff, M. C., Reese, S., Fehr, M., Dening, R. and Meyer-Lindenberg, A. (2016), Assessment of wound bio-burden and prevalence of multi-drug resistant bacteria during open wound management. Journal of Small Animal Practice. doi: 10.1111/jsap.12476
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