Abstract :
Antimicrobial agents are compounds which inhibit the growth, or kill microorganisms. Antimicrobial agents can be used for either treatment or prevention of infectious disease but must be used properly and accurately. The use of antimicrobials in the prevention of disease is called prophylaxis. There are four occasions when prophylactic antimicrobials are indicated and these are:
· When the risk of post-operative infection is high.
· When wounds are contaminated with soil or dirt (e.g. after road traffic accidents) and there is a risk of infection (e.g. Clostridium tetani).
· Where the consequences of infection are serious or life threatening.
· When a person’s defences against infection are compromised.
Keyword :
Antimicrobial prophylaxis (AP), Surgery, Surgical Site Infections (SSIs), Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs), Infections.