Microbiologic study of wound infections

Cultures for aerobic, anaerobic, fungal, and mycobacterial organisms were performed on 59 tornado-associated wounds in 47 patients. Most impressive was the frequent identification of aerobic gramnegative bacilli. Seventy-five percent of the wounds cultured organisms, yet the infections were generally benign and selflimited. Evidence is presented which favors a soil, rather than nosocomial, source for the bacteria in the wounds of the hospitalized patients. The guidelines for treatment of tornado-induced wounds include removal of environmental debris, antitetanus prophylaxis, and delayed primary wound closure.