Background: The emergence of bacterial antimicrobial resistance associated withacquired infections has made the choice of empirical therapy more difficult andexpensive, hence the need for continuous research to determine their sensitivity patterns.Objectives: To identify the common aerobic pathogenic bacteria in post-operative woundsat Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) and determine their sensitivity patternsto routine antibiotics used.Design: Cross-sectional study.Setting: Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) Surgical, Obstetrics and Gynaecologywards.Patients: Sixty three patients chosen by convenient sampling between May and June2001 were included in the study. A total of eighty four isolates were obtained fromthese patients.Materials and Methods: Isolation of pathogens and their antibiotic sensitivitydetermination was conducted in the Department of Medical Microbiology Laboratory,Faculty of Health Sciences, Moi University. The bacteria were cultured on blood agar,MacConkey and Nutrient agar followed by identification using biochemical tests (catalaseurease, coagulase, triple sugar iron). Disc diffusion method on Muller-Hinton agar wasused for sensitivity testing.Results: Staphylococcus aureus species were the most common pathogenic bacteriaisolated from the post-operative wounds. Other organisms included Proteus, Pseudomonasand Escherichia coli. There was a multi-drug resistance pattern observed, withminocyline being the most effective drug against S. aureus.Conclusion: There is need for review of policies on prescription practice on the useof existing therapeutics choice to limit the spread of resistance. This will ensure reducedpatient stay and cost incurred
