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Pathogenesis

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Initially, the burn wound is a sterile environment. However, colonization occurs rapidly and it is dependent on depth. Deeper burns are more likely to become colonized rapidly. Sequentially, common organisms isolated from burns include:

  • 6-48 hours: Gram positive cocci eg Staphylococcus aureus
  • 48 hours-1 week:
    • Gram negative organisms eg Proteus, Klebsiella
    • anaerobic organisms eg Escherichia coli

Once the burn is colonized, then invasive infection is a possible sequel that can be limited by:

  • reducing the count of organisms
  • minimizing the number of types of organism within the wound

The most likely sources of contamination are:

  • fluids impinging on wound
  • cutaneous contact with unburnt skin eg the patient touching the wound
  • enteric fluids

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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