Bacteriological profile of community peritonitis operated in a Moroccan Hospital

Abstract

Introduction. Peritonitis is characterized by acute inflammation of the peritoneum, often resulting from digestive organ perforation or intra-abdominal septic focus. It may be of either infectious or non-infectious origin. The bacteria involved are those of the digestive flora (Enterobacteriaceae and anaerobes), while Gram-positive cocci and yeasts can be isolated in nosocomial infections. Our study aims to isolate and identify the germs involved in community-acquired peritonitis in order to assess their susceptibility to the antibiotics available in our country. Methods. This is a retrospective study of the bacteriological profile of community peritonitis in Rabat Morocco. A total of 150 adult patients with peritonitis were admitted and samples were collected intraoperatively for bacteriological examination between 1 July 2022 and 30 April 2023. Results. Among the 150 patients, 101 (67.8%) were males and 49 (32.2%) were females, with a sex ratio (M/F) of 2 : 1. The mean age of the patients was 40.5 years±20.12. The distribution of bacteria was dominated by Escherichia coli (44%). Overall, 70% of E. coli isolated exhibited resistance to ampicillin, whereas no resistance to ampicillin has been reported for Enterococcus. Discussion. In the present study, we were interested in the bacteriological profile of community peritonitis in order to adapt the antibiotic therapy to our bacterial ecology. Our findings indicate a concerning trend of increasing resistance among E. coli to the commonly used amoxicillin/clavulanic acid combination in our clinical setting. Conclusion. Consequently, there is a need to reassess the empiric antibiotic prescribed for the management of community-acquired peritonitis.