Diagnosis of a wound infection
Diagnosing a wound infection involves assessment of the wound for presence of local or systemic symptoms of infection.
Inflammation is the most significant classic indicator of wound infection. It includes redness (rubor), increased heat (calor), swelling (tumor), pain (dolor), and loss of function (functio laesa).
The 5 signs of inflammation.
A diabetic foot with abcedation after bedside debridement. Wound sampling conducted shows these results: 1: Morganella morganii ++ 2: Streptococcus anginosus group ++ 3: Helcococcus kunzii +
Biofilms are complex microbial communities that adhere strongly to a living or non-living surface. Microorganisms co-exist in a network and secrete and synthesize an extracellular protective polymeric substance which aids in its firm attachment to the surface. This protective polysaccharide layer does not allow the body’s immune system to detect the presence of the microorganisms. They effectively evade an immune response, survive standard treatments, and multiply. In this way, they can withstand nutrient and moisture deprivation, altered pH, and the impact of antibiotics and antiseptics. Microorganisms routinely colonise, contaminate, and infect wounds. Existing in biofilms enable bacteria to resist the effects of antimicrobial agents and host defences in the wound bed.
For more information, please refer to the links provided in the see also section below.
Antimicrobial Stewardship in Wound Management
Antimicrobial Stewardship in Wound Management
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