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Updated: May 17, 2026

Come to the Light Side: In Vivo Monitoring of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Infections in Chronic Wounds in a Diabetic Hairless Murine Model
Published on: October 10, 2017
[The infected diabetic foot]
1Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne. cathy.voide@chuv.ch
Abstract:
Disorders of local immunity associated with diabetes, neuropathy, vascular disease and pressure lesions all contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic foot lesions. Diabetic foot infections are frequently encountered, comprising multifactorial pathology and high morbidity and mortality rates. Microbiological sampling is indicated only when infection is suspected clinically, that is, when a lesion presents a minimum of two of the following six signs: erythema, heat, pain, tumefaction, induration or purulent discharge.
Insights
Diabetic foot lesions stem from local immunity issues, diabetes, and nerve or vascular damage. Clinical signs like redness or discharge indicate infection, warranting microbiological sampling.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Vascular Biology
Context:
- Diabetic foot lesions are a significant complication of diabetes mellitus.
- Pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of local immune dysfunction, neuropathy, vascular disease, and pressure-related tissue damage.
- Diabetic foot infections are common, leading to high rates of morbidity and mortality.
Purpose:
- To elucidate the contributing factors to the pathogenesis of diabetic foot lesions.
- To define the clinical criteria for suspecting diabetic foot infections and guiding microbiological sampling.
Summary:
- Disorders of local immunity, alongside diabetes, neuropathy, vascular disease, and pressure lesions, are key in developing diabetic foot lesions.
- Microbiological sampling is recommended only when infection is clinically suspected.
- Suspicion of infection requires at least two of the following signs: erythema, heat, pain, tumefaction, induration, or purulent discharge.
Impact:
- Provides clear diagnostic criteria for initiating microbiological investigations in diabetic foot lesions.
- Highlights the multifactorial nature of diabetic foot pathology, informing potential therapeutic strategies.
- Aims to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with diabetic foot infections through timely and appropriate sampling.
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