Which microorganism is the leading cause of surgical site infections?

Staphylococcus aureus is recognized as the leading cause of surgical site infections due to its ability to colonize the skin and mucous membranes of humans. This bacterium is frequently found on the skin, which becomes a risk factor during surgical procedures when barriers are breached. Surgical site infections often arise from microbes that are inherently present on the patient's skin, highlighting the importance of proper surgical techniques and preoperative skin preparation to minimize potential contamination.

Staphylococcus aureus is particularly concerning because it can form biofilms and is capable of producing toxins that contribute to the severity of infections. Additionally, there are strains of Staphylococcus aureus that are resistant to methicillin (MRSA), which complicates treatment options and increases the risk of severe postoperative complications.

In contrast, the other microorganisms mentioned may also cause infections but are not the primary contributors in the context of surgical site infections. Escherichia coli is more commonly associated with urinary tract infections or infections originating from the gastrointestinal tract. Clostridium difficile is primarily linked with gastrointestinal infections rather than surgical sites. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while it can cause infections in immunocompromised individuals or in cases of wound contamination, is not the most prevalent organism found in surgical site infections compared to