Topical use of rifamycin sv (Rifocin) on burn wounds at Kenyatta national hospital (KNH) as compared to silver sulfadiazine
Abstract
Rifamycin SV (Rifocin) is an antibiotic isolated in the lepetit research laboratories, and
has been in use in Kenyatta National Hospital for over 12 years as a topical antibiotic on
bum wounds. No research has been conducted to show its effects on wound infection.
This is a seven month surveillance prospective study aimed at reviewing the benefits or
detrimental effects of using Rifamycin SV topically on Bums wounds.
Methodology:
Prospective study carried out from March 2006 to September 2006. Fifty patients with
infected burn wound at Kenyatta National Hospital were randominised into two groups A
& B. Pus swab (swab 1) was taken on recruitment of a candidate, for microscopy and
culture. The isolated micro-organism was tested for sensitivity to Rifamycin and Silver
Sulfadiazine. Candidates were followed up with dressing of the wound with Rifamycin
(Group A) and Silver Sulfadiazine (Group B) for seven to nine days. A second swab
(swab 2) taken for microscopy and culture. The isolated mioro-organism was tes'ted for
sensitivity to both Rifamycin and Silver Sulfadiazine.
RESULTS: Most common pathogen isolated in burn wound was Pseudomonas
aeroginosa (80%), and majority of the isolated pathogens are resistant to Rifamycin.
CONCLUTION: Rational use ofRifamycine on burn wound should be abandoned.
Citation
Degree of Master of Medicine (Surgery), University Of Nairobi, 2007Publisher
University of Nairobi, School of Medicine