To analyse the bacteriological spectrum, identify most appropriate antibiotics for hand infections, and to characterize patterns and sites of hand infections. This information was collected against the background of a high prevalence of HIV infected patients and increasing antibiotic resistance. This was a prospective, cross-sectional, analytical study done on 66 patients presenting with hand infections at a public hospital from January to June 2009. A standardised treatment protocol was followed in managing these patients. Data was collected from each participant, and laboratory reports were followed up for the identity and antibiotic susceptibility of causative organisms. All patients were counselled for HIV status and consenting participants were tested.Purpose of study:
Description of methods: