Bacteriological Profile 0f Burn Wound Infections with Reference to Biofilm Formation

Burns are one of the most common devastating forms of trauma. Burn patients are ideal hosts for opportunistic infections [1]. Thermal injury causes instant coagulative necrosis, which rapidly becomes a favourable niche for bacterial colonisation and proliferation. The eschar provides a devitalised, protein rich environment, which further benefits bacterial proliferation through its exclusion from the systemic circulation and impaired local immune responses. The burn site remains relatively sterile during the first 24 hour; thereafter, colonization of the wound by gram negative bacteria is common [2]. Organisms originate from the patient’s own skin, gut and respiratory flora, as well as from contact with contaminated health care environments and workers [3]. Biofilms are complex communities of surface attached aggregates of microorganisms embedded in a selfsecreted extracellular polysaccharide matrix, or slime [4]. Once formed, biofilms act as efficient barriers against antimicrobial agents and the host immune system, resulting in persistent colonization and/or infection at the site of biofilm formation [5]. Bacteria within a biofilm typically undergo a phenotypic change whereby microbial virulence factor production is altered and metabolic rate and motility are reduced. Channels formed within the protective environment of the biofilm facilitate the transport of nutrients and microbial waste products [6]. The survival rates for burn patients have improved substantially in the past few decades due to advances in modern medical care in specialized burn centres. Improved outcomes for severely burned patients have been attributed to medical advances in fluid resuscitation, nutritional support, pulmonary care, burn wound care, and infection control practices [7].