Introduction: The MRSA and MSSA infections are essential clinical problem. Both of the strains have high virulence (as a result of enzyme and toxin production), what disturbs wound healing as well as a general condition of the patient.
Aim: The purpose of this work was an estimation of the role of MRSA infections among patients operated on for head and neck cancers.
Material and methods: From 1155 patients treated for head and neck cancers in The Department of Otolaryngology in Poznan in 2006-2007 189 biological samples were taken to carry out a bacteriological examination. The indications for this procedure were symptoms of infection in the operated area, wound healing per secundam and a hectic fever after the surgery. Biological specimens came from: 57 postoperative wounds, 36 tracheotomy areas, 24 tracheoesophageal fistulas, 9 salivary fistulas, 21 oral cavities and pharynxes, 2 noses, 4 ears, 6 central venous catheter areas, 2 gastrostomies, 2 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples, 1 fluid from pleural cavity, 11 blood samples, 12 urine samples, 2 bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL).
Results: 37 biological samples were aseptic, in 11 samples there were no pathological cultures, in 141 samples pathological bacterial flora was found. MRSA was found in 6 cultures and MSSA was found in 18 cultures.
Conclusions: In order to prevent the MRSA infection the Hospital Infections Department was formed. The results of commissioned bacteriological examinations are analyzed by the Department, what enables bacteriological flora observation in the hospital, fast identification of MRSA infected patients, and, what is more, MRSA infections prevention. It also helps to select proper medicaments in empiric antibiotic therapy.