Invasion of the site of trauma by pathogenic microorganisms.
All kinds of wounds are vulnerable to bacterial infection, which can hinder the healing process, lead to disability, or even be fatal. Signs of an infected wound include redness, swelling, warmth, and pain, and sometimes the emergence of pus or the development of an abscess. The infection can either remain localized, spread to neighboring organs or tissues, or travel to more remote areas of the body through the bloodstream.
The nature of the infection is often determined by the circumstances in which the wound was sustained. For instance, a wound exposed to soil has the potential to lead to tetanus. Infections from Staphylococcal bacteria, such as MRSA, are also commonly associated with wounds.
When an infection is detected, a sample of pus or blood may be collected for analysis, and the patient is typically prescribed antibiotics. If an abscess has formed, it usually needs to be surgically drained.