A Study of Microbial Profile and Drug Resistance Pattern in the Patients with Diabetic Foot at a Tertiary Health Care Center

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) is a serious and common complication of Diabetes Mellitus (DM). India has been called "the diabetes capital of the world.” The most common cause of morbidity and mortality in DFU is infections. Diabetic foot wounds are commonly infected, and infection leads to the formation of microthrombi causing further ischemia, necrosis, and progressive gangrene. These types of situations necessitate limb amputation. Thus, accurate diagnosis of the causative organism is essential for the management of these cases. Aims and Objectives: To Study microbial profile as well as drug resistance pattern in the patients having diabetic foot at a tertiary care center. Methodology: Approval from institutional ethical committee was obtained. 62 patients of diabetic foot were selected for the present study over 1 year. Wound discharge culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing were carried out using standard microbiological procedures. Result: In the study carried out it was observed that the majority of the patients fell under the age group consisting of those >60. The most common organism was Staphylococcus followed by Streptococci, Enterococcus. Gram positive organisms were most commonly sensitive to Vancomycin. Gram negative organisms were susceptible to Piperacillin-Tazobactum. Maximum resistance was found to be for Gentamycin. Conclusion: From the study it can be conclusively noticed that majority patients belonged to the age group consisting of >60 Yrs. Gram positive organisms showed highest sensitivity to Vancomycin. In case of Gram negative organism's antibiotic with highest sensitivity was Piperacillin-Tazobactam. Gentamicin was the drug with highest resistance. This resistance pattern to various pathogens in our study will be helpful in treatment of Diabetic foot in future.