Abstract

SSTIs are inflammatory microbial invasion of the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissues. According to the setup from where the infection is contacted, it may be ‘community acquired’ (CA) or ‘hospital acquired/ nosocomial’ (HA) infection. The former usually involves a single pathogen, whereas the latter is often polymicrobial. Majority of SSTIs are caused by bacteria and are referred to as acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections Methodology- This study was undertaken at Department of Microbiology of a Tertiary care hospital over a period of 1 year 6 months. In this study, 250 children of less than one year of age with clinical features suggestive of skin and soft tissue infection presented in the Out Patient Department (OPD) or in Patient Department (IPD) under Paediatric Surgery unit were included. Diagnosis of skin and soft tissue infection was made on the basis of clinical features. Identification of isolates was done by cultural characteristics and standard biochemical tests. Results- In present study the main pathogens involved in these infections are Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative enteric organisms. All gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to higher antibiotics. Among other antibiotics the isolates were sensitive to piperacillin-tazobactam (63.63%) followed by ampicillin-sulbactam and cefepime. Conclusion- With the knowledge of likely causative organisms causing SSTIs and their sensitivity pattern, the most suitable antibiotic can be started without waiting for the result.

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