Practical bacteriologic monitoring of the burn victim.

A comprehensive picture of the burn wound microflora is now possible as a result of recent technologic advances. The microflora of the burn wound can be characterized with respect to its number, type, location, and antibiotic sensitivity. These parameters can be measured in sufficient time to influence the decision of the burn surgeon. The microflora of the surface of the burn wound and the burn wound itself are examined separately by different sampling techniques. For the surface microflora, the gauze capillary techniques employed, while incisional biopsies are used to monitor the organisms in the burn wound. After sampling, suspensions of the specimens are created which in turn are subjected to direct microscopic measurement, quantitative culture procedures, and immediate antibiotic sensitivity testing. Histologic examination of the burn wound is performed concomitantly with this bacteriologic examination to determine the depth of bacterial invasion as well as to detect the presence of either mycotic or herpetic infections.