Surgical site infection and pathogens in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Surgical site infection is a common complication in patients who underwent surgery. The prevalence is higher in low-income countries. In Ethiopia, prevalence and pathogens of surgical site infection (SSI) reported are variable. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to find the pooled prevalence of SSI. Besides, it aimed to find pathogens of surgical site infection in Ethiopia.

Methods: The databases for the search were PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar by the date 21/08/2018. To assess publication bias Egger's test regression analysis was applied. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on the study population and region.

Results: This meta-analysis included a total of 15 studies with 8418 study subjects. The pooled prevalence of surgical site infection was 25.22% (95% CI: 17.30 to 33.14%). Staphylococcus aureus (30.06%) was the most common pathogen identified. Followed by Escherichia coli (19.73%), Klebsiella species (17.27%), and Coagulase-Negative staphylococci (12.43%) were the commonly isolated pathogens.

Conclusions: The national prevalence of surgical site infection was high. The most common identified pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus. Followed by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, and Coagulase-Negative staphylococci. Strict adherence to surgical site infection prevention techniques needs to get more attention.