Preface

Surgery entails breakage of the skin, which is a natural barrier to invasion by microorganisms, whether they are flora or attacking pathogens.

That being the case, surgical site infections occur when proper infection prevention measures are not adhered to.

Since many surgeries are performed continuously in many health care facilities all over the world, the occurrence and burden of surgical site infections constitute common problems for both patients and healthcare systems.

The outcomes of such infections for patients are limitless and can vary from length of time to heal to loss of life, with all that these entail.

Within the context of this book, surgical site infections will be discussed according to the most recent guidelines.

> **Manal Baddour** Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt

**1**

Section 1

Scope and Definitions

Section 1
