Abstract
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Abstract; Background : Post-caesarean wound sepsis is among the most common problem for patients who undergo caesarean section. It remains a common and widespread problem contributing to morbidity and mortality; this could be due to an increase in antimicrobial resistance. Determining the burden of wound sepsis and common bacterial pathogens can provide solution to prevent incidence and establish microbiological mapping. Aim: To determine prevalence, identify factors, common bacterial pathogens from post-caesarean wounds and antibacterial susceptibility pattern at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. Methods : A cross-sectional study was conducted among post-caesarean mothers attending Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. Consecutive enrolment of 303 participants who consented to participate was done. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on associated factors and wound swabs were done prior to bacterial culture. Antibacterial susceptibility pattern of isolated bacterial pathogens was determined by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Data was analyzed using Stata 14.2. Results : The wound sepsis rate was 16.8%. Being educated, multiple vaginal examination, hygiene, previous caesarean sections and HIV seropositivity were all significantly and positively associated with post-caesarean wound sepsis (p<0.05). The most implicated bacteria was Staphylococcus aureus and was most susceptible to ciprofloxacin. Resistance was most exhibited against ciprofloxacin, gentamycin, ceftriaxone and cotrimoxazole especially by coliforms. Conclusions. The rate of caesarean wound sepsis is high at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital . Being educated, multiple vaginal examination, hygiene, previous caesarean sections and HIV seropositivity are possible risk factors for the condition. Staphylococcus aureus is the commonest organism isolated from exudates of septic wounds after caesarean section. Awareness amongst health workers and patients about these major factors is necessary so that management can be directed. Rational use of antibiotics by health workers is paramount to combat resistance in this setting.