Abstract

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A total of 120 samples from patients in two hospitals in Calabar were examined for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. About 45% of the cases — burns, ulcers, septic wounds—contained the organism. Sinks and wash basins from wards and theatres were found to constitute permanent reservoirs of the organism and a constant source of cross-infection. The relationship between factors such as age, duration of stay in hospital and drainage system were outlined. The need to discontinue the use of Savlon disinfectant, whose active ingredient — cetrimide — favours the proliferation of Pseudomonas species is emphasized.

Keywords: Pseudomonas