Infection is a condition in which the body or a part of it is invaded by a disease producing organism.

This organism multiplies under favorable conditions and produces
injurious effects to the body. All wounds harbor organisms.

Additionally, many organisms are present in the air. Immediately after a wound is opened, organisms can enter it. The presence of organisms in a wound does not necessarily mean that there will be an infection. Other factors are involved in the development of an infection. Some are listed below.

a. Delay in treatment.

b. Decreased blood circulation because of shock.

c. Collection of blood in the wound and surrounding tissues. This collection, called hematoma, restricts circulation.

d. Location of the wound. Areas of the body with a good blood supply are less likely to become infected. Wounds on legs, which have a poorer blood supply, are more likely to become infected.

e. Retention of foreign bodies in the wounds.

f. Inadequate irrigation or inadequate removal of dead tissue.

g. Suturing of dirty wounds.

h. Inadequate immobilization.

i. Breaking sterile technique and cross contamination.

j. Presence of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

k. Secondary disease. Persons with diabetes, arteriosclerosis, and anemia, as well as some other diseases, find that their wounds heal more slowly.