Bacteriology of Blood, Wound, and Sputum Cultures from Non-US Casualties Treated in a Combat Support Hospital in Iraq

Abstract

A review of culture results from non-US casualties in Iraq revealed gram-negative bacteria were the most commonly isolated pathogens. Cultures of respiratory fluid yielded positive results earlier than cultures of wound or blood samples and potentially serve as an earlier marker of future infections. Continued aggressive infection control for non-US casualties is needed.