3rd International Congress on Surgery and Anesthesia
September 02 | Virtual Event
Tanvi Vashist
Department of Medical Microbiology, PGIMER INDIA, India
Abstract:
Necrotizing soft-tissue infections (NSTIs) are aggressive infections characterized by rapid necrosis
of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and deep fascia. Despite their rarity, they pose significant
diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, often leading to high morbidity and mortality
due to delayed or inadequate treatment. Traditional microbiological cultures play a crucial
role in identifying causative pathogens, but their limitations in detecting polymicrobial infections
and fastidious organisms necessitate a more comprehensive approach. This study
assessed the wound bioburden in 169 NSTI tissue biopsies using both aerobic and anaerobic
cultures. Tissue samples were cultured on blood agar and MacConkey plates, with anaerobic
incubation performed for 48 hours using the Don Whitley Anaerobic gassing system.
Bacterial identification was conducted using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time
of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The results demonstrated significant bacterial
loads, ranging from 10⁹ to 10¹⁷ cfu/ml/g in necrotic tissues, with many heavily infected cases
requiring amputation. A semiquantitative classification system (sterile, scanty, mild, heavy,
overburdened) provided a rapid assessment of infection severity, enabling timely clinical decision-
making. The findings highlight the importance of integrating both aerobic and anaerobic
culture techniques in NSTI diagnosis, ensuring a more accurate representation of microbial
diversity. This comprehensive assessment facilitates prompt surgical intervention and
optimized patient management. Standardized quantitative and semi-quantitative wound
bioburden evaluation at the point of care enhances diagnostic precision and informs critical
therapeutic strategies, ultimately improving clinical outcomes in NSTI patients
Biography
Tanvi is a dedicated PhD scholar in the Department of Medical Microbiology, collaborating with the General
Surgery department at one of India’s most prestigious institutions, the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education
and Research (PGIMER), India. Her research focuses on improving the rapid diagnosis and treatment
of infectious diseases by understanding the microbial landscape of various infections. With a strong academic
background, she has received multiple awards for her contributions and is recognized as a deserving scholar in
her field.