Final answer:
The class of surgical wounds with the highest infection rate is open fractures. They are vulnerable to infection due to direct exposure to bacteria. Iatrogenic and nosocomial diseases further highlight the infection risks associated with wounds and medical settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The class of surgical wounds with the highest rate of infection are those involving a fracture where at least one end of the broken bone tears through the skin, known as an open fracture. Such injuries carry a high risk of infection due to the ease with which bacteria can enter the wound. Understanding wound care and prevention of infections is crucial in medical settings. Pioneers such as Joseph Lister implemented practices to reduce wound infections through handwashing and disinfection, significantly lowering the incidence of postsurgical infections. It's also important to identify pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus, which are common culprits in wound infections and can be resistant to antibiotics. Lastly, iatrogenic and nosocomial diseases, contracted through medical procedures or in hospital settings respectively, are a major concern, with factors such as weakened immune systems and drug-resistant bacteria contributing to their prevalence and severity.