ABSTRACT
To understand: • The characteristics of the common surgical pathogens and their sensitivities • The factors that determine whether a wound will become infected • The classification of sources of infection and their severity • The clinical presentation of surgical infections • The indications for and choice of prophylactic antibiotics • The spectrum of commonly used antibiotics in surgery and the principles of therapy To learn: • Koch’s postulates • The management of abscesses To appreciate: • The importance of aseptic and antiseptic techniques and delayed primary or secondary closure in contaminated wounds To be aware of: • The causes of reduced resistance to infection (host response) To know: • The definitions of infection, particularly at surgical sites • What basic precautions to take to avoid surgically relevant hospital acquired infections
