A study to isolate various bacteria causing osteomyelitis in a tertiary health care setup

Abstract

Introduction: Osteomyelitis (OM), an inflammation of bone or bone marrow caused by various infectious agents, can cause any age. With this, a study was taken to isolate various bacterial etiological agents that cause OM. Material and Methods: It was a laboratory-based study, conducted in the Department of Microbiology, GSL Medical College from June to Nov 2019. Individuals of all ages, both genders, clinically, radiologically confirmed cases of OM were included in the study. Bone, tissue, and swabs collected with utmost sterile precautions were considered, cultured as per the standard methods. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed for various pathogenic isolates using Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method; P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: During the study period a total of 72 samples were collected, 61 were culture positive (CP). Age-wise, maximum (18%) CP results were identified in 31-40 years of age group followed by 41-50 years group. Gram-negative rods were isolated maximum (59%) and Staph. aureus was the maximum isolate. Conclusion: OM can occur at any age and there is no gender difference. Staph. aureus was a common isolate followed by Pseudomonas.