Abstract

Aim: In this study, bacterial colonization was investigated in patients who did not fully respond to standard therapy, whose recovery was delayed despite the absence of significant infection fi wound healing was investigated in patients in whom bacterial colonization was detected. Material and Method: A total of 76 patients admitted with venous ulcers between September 2005 and January 2010, and in whom bacterial colonization had been detected were randomly allocated into two groups. While Group I (n: 39) received antibiotic therapy according to the antibiogram in addition to venous insufficiency treatment, Group 2 (n: 37) received only venous insufficiency treatment. Both group were compared in terms of wound healing. Findings: The most commonly isolated bacteria was Staphylococcus aureus in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of wound size (p>0.456). However, the time required for wound healing was found to be shorter in the group which received antibiotic compared to the other group. This difference was statistically significant (p: 0.038). Conclusion: A smear should certainly be obtained from patients who do not have significant infection findings, but whose wound healing is delayed. We consider that systemic antibiotic therapy has positive effects on wound healing in patients in whom bacterial colonization is detected.