Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Staphylococcus aureus is the bacterial species most commonly associated with surgical site infections (SSIs) due to its prevalence on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy individuals. As a result, it can easily contaminate surgical sites during procedures. This bacterium has virulence factors that enhance its ability to adhere to tissues and evade the immune system, making it particularly problematic in clinical settings.

SSIs are often attributed to organisms that are common in the normal flora of the skin, and Staphylococcus aureus is a primary component of this flora. The risk factors for SSIs related to this bacterium include surgical procedure characteristics, patient factors, and the presence of foreign materials like implanted devices, which can all facilitate its growth and infection.

Other bacteria mentioned, while they can cause infections, are not as commonly implicated in SSIs. For instance, Escherichia coli is more frequently linked to intra-abdominal infections and urinary tract infections rather than surgical site infections. Clostridium difficile is primarily associated with antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae is generally known for its role in respiratory infections and does not typically cause SSIs.