Isolation, Identification, and Characterization of Wound Associated Bacteria

ABSTRACT Wound infections represent a significant clinical challenge, with diverse bacterial populations presenting unique morphological and antimicrobial resistance characteristics. This study isolated, identified, and characterized wound-associated bacteria isolated from patients with wound infections attending the Ekiti State Teaching Hospital. The wound samples were collected aseptically and cultured using different culture media. The pure isolates were done while the identifications and characterizations of the isolates were done using Gram-staining techniques and different biochemical tests. The susceptibility pattern of the isolates was done using both gram-positive and gram-negative antibiotics. The result revealed distinct bacterial colony characteristics across five isolates. The isolates exhibited variations in shape (regular and irregular), color (light yellow and cream), surface texture (smooth and rough), and opacity (transparent to translucent). Gram staining and biochemical reactions identified five distinct bacterial species: three Staphylococcus spp. (Y.M 2:1, Y.M 2:3, A.M 2:2), one Pseudomonas spp. (Y.M 2:4), and one Klebsiella spp. (A.M 2:1). Antibiotic susceptibility testing demonstrated varying resistance profiles across the isolated bacterial strains. Notably, Pseudomonas spp. (Y.M 2:4) exhibited the highest resistance, with 80% resistance to gram-positive antibiotics and 0% resistance to gram-negative antibiotics. Conversely, some Staphylococcus spp. isolates showed minimal resistance, with Y.M 2:3 and A.M 2:2 displaying 0% resistance across tested antibiotics. Klebsiella spp. (A.M 2:1) demonstrated moderate resistance, with 60% resistance to gram-negative antibiotics. Interestingly, the Staphylococcus spp. isolates displayed heterogeneous resistance patterns, suggesting potential strain-specific variations in antimicrobial susceptibility. These findings underscore the complex nature of wound-associated bacterial populations, highlighting the importance of comprehensive microbiological characterization. The observed diversity in morphological features and antibiotic resistance patterns emphasizes the need for targeted diagnostic and treatment strategies in wound management.