Bacterial infections in diabetic foot

Diabetic foot patients were evaluated prospectively over a two year period to assess the bacteriological spectrum (n=270). It was observed that such infectious usually involve mixed bacterial flora, including aerobic, facultatively anaerobic and anaerobic microorganisms. Amongst the clinical isolates, Staphylococcus spp (42.06%) was associated with maximum number of cases. Gram-positive aerobes were sensitive to Ampicillin-Sulbactum, Quinolones and third-generation Cephalosporins. Gram-positive anaerobes were sensitive to Vancomycin, Piperacillin, Ampicillin-Sulbactum and third- generation Cephalosporins, Gram-negative aerobes were comparatively more resistant, but they were sensitive to Amikacin, Quinolones and third- generation Cephalosporins. Gram-negative anaerobes were sensitive to Metronidazole and third-generation Cephalosporins. Proper isolation using aerobic and anaerobic methodology is essential for appropriate management of patients with diabetic foot infections.