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.