Microbiological and antimicrobial pattern of diabetic foot ulcers at a tertiary care center in North East, Punjab

OBJECTIVETo determine the pattern of antimicrobial sensitivity of common microorganisms isolated from diabetic foot infections. METHODSThe cross-sectional study was conducted from January to August 2019 at the Diabetes and Footcare Clinic, Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, and comprised deep-seated tissue samples from the ulcer bed that were tested for culture and sensitivity. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Data was analysed using SPSS 26. RESULTSThere were 389 bacterial isolates collected from 201 patients who had a mean age of 53.05±10.70 years. . Of the isolates, 238(61.11%) were gram-negative and 151(38.89%) were gram-positive organisms. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureuswas found in 62(64.58%) isolates. CONCLUSIONSEarly identification of diabetic foot infections can help in timely initiation of empirical treatment and prevention of unwanted amputations.