Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus among patients with septic wounds attending surgical wards at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital.  A cross-sectional study.

Henry Mukooza; Frank Sseguja; Hasifa Nansereko; Francisco  Ssemuwemba; Anthony  Ssekitoleko; Jane Frank  Nalubega

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i2.2294

Authors

Henry Mukooza Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences
Frank Sseguja Mildmay Institute of Health Science
Hasifa Nansereko Mildmay Institute of Health Science
Francisco Ssemuwemba Mildmay Institute of Health Science
Anthony Ssekitoleko Mildmay Institute of Health Science
Jane Frank Nalubega Mildmay Institute of Health Science

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i2.2294

Keywords:

Staphylococcus aureus, septic wounds, surgical ward, infection control

Abstract

Background:

Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen in septic wounds, particularly among patients admitted to surgical wards. This study aims to determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus among patients with septic wounds who were admitted to the surgical ward at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital.

Methodology:

The study adopted a cross-sectional design and involved 80 purposively selected patients with septic wounds. Wound swabs were collected using sterile swabs, appropriately labeled, and processed using standard microbiological techniques, including Gram staining, culture on selective media, and confirmatory biochemical tests such as catalase and coagulase.

Results:

The majority of respondents, at 53.75% (n=43), were males, while females accounted for 46.25% (n=37). The most affected age group represented was those above 60 years (47.5%, n=38), followed by participants aged 18–30 years (22.5%, n=18). The prevalence of S. aureus was higher among males (64.3%, n=18) compared to females (35.7%, n=10). This suggests that male patients may be more prone to S. aureus wound infections, possibly due to increased exposure to injury, occupational risks, and delayed health-seeking behavior. The highest prevalence of S. aureus was observed among respondents aged above 60 years (53.57%, n=15), followed by those aged 18–30 years (21.42%, n=6). The lowest prevalence occurred in patients below 18 years (7.14%, n=2). This trend suggests that elderly individuals may be at greater risk, likely due to weakened immunity and delayed wound healing.

Conclusion:

This study found that the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus among patients with septic wounds at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital was a common cause of wound infection.

Recommendation:

Routine screening of septic wounds and strict infection prevention practices should be strengthened to improve early detection and management of S. aureus.

Author Biographies

Henry Mukooza , Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

holds a diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology from Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

Frank Sseguja, Mildmay Institute of Health Science

tutor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

Hasifa Nansereko, Mildmay Institute of Health Science

is the chairperson of the Institutional Review Council (IRC) at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

Francisco Ssemuwemba , Mildmay Institute of Health Science

is the dean of the School of Allied Health at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

Anthony Ssekitoleko, Mildmay Institute of Health Science

tutor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

Jane Frank Nalubega, Mildmay Institute of Health Science

tutor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

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