How is epidemiology of SSI?

• Surgical site infection (SSI) is the third most commonly reported healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) and results in significant patient morbidity and mortality • The risk of SSI is influenced by a number of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, particularly the number of microorganisms present at or introduced into the incision • The risk of SSI increases with the age of the patient; other important risk factors are severe underlying illness and obesity • Measuring and reporting rates of SSI in surveillance systems is an important strategy for determining • Clinical definition of SSI: Infectious process present at the site of surgery. • Clinical signs and symptoms of infection include heat, redness, swelling, elevated body temperature and purulent exudate from the wound or the drain.