Epidemiological Characteristics, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile, and Surgical Outcome of Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infection at a Tertiary Hospital in Somalia.

Background: Intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) are common surgical emergencies and one of the leading causes of non-trauma deaths in hospitals worldwide. Because of limited resources, most patients in low-income countries experience delayed diagnosis and treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics, antimicrobial susceptibility profile, and outcome of patients with complicated IAI at a tertiary hospital in Somalia. Methods: This study included all patients with confirmed IAIs who underwent laparotomy or percutaneous drainage, either emergency or elective, and whose cultures showed growth. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, culture results, antimicrobial susceptibility profile, and the type of source control were reviewed. Results: The prevalence of CIAI was 5.3%, 144 (70%) were male, and 61 (30%) were female. The mean age was 38.6±8.5 years. Appendicitis was the most common source of infection, accounting for 32%, followed by bowel perforation in 37 (18%). Out of 15 patients with liver abscesses, ten patients had diabetes (67%). Conclusion: The prevalence of CIAI in our study was 5.3%, with an increasing number of MDR microorganisms isolated from cultures. CIAI and intra-abdominal abscess are significant sources of high morbidity and mortality with sepsis and poor clinical outcome; thus, early detection and intervention are crucial.