Severe burn patients face high infection risks—with women twice as vulnerable

A new study has revealed that nearly one in four patients with severe burns develop bloodstream infections within two weeks of hospital admission. Researchers at University Hospital Zurich (USZ) tracked 269 burn cases over five years, uncovering a surprising gender difference in infection risk. Their findings, now published in the journal Burns, highlight ongoing challenges in treating burn-related complications.

The study took place at the Burn Center of USZ between 2017 and 2021. It focused on patients with severe burns, where damaged skin can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Once in circulation, these bacteria may trigger sepsis—a serious, sometimes fatal condition.

Results showed that 23% of patients tested positive for bloodstream infections between five and thirteen days after admission. Women faced nearly double the risk of infection compared to men, even though both groups carried similar bacterial species. The reason for this higher vulnerability in women remains unclear.

Over the past five years, infection rates in major burn centres have fallen. Facilities like the Ross Tilney Burn Center in Boston and Percy Hospital in France reported drops of 15–20% and 10–15%, respectively. At USZ, stricter hygiene measures—such as chlorhexidine bathing—and better antibiotic management helped reduce infection rates from 25% to 18%.

The study confirms that bloodstream infections remain a critical issue for burn patients, particularly for women. While improved protocols have lowered infection rates in recent years, the persistent gender gap suggests further research is needed. The findings provide a clearer picture of the risks and reinforce the importance of infection control in burn care.