Microbiology of Diabetic Foot Infections in U.S. Veterans

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Podiatry

Background:

• Diabetes-related foot infections (DFIs) are a significant complication of diabetes mellitus.
• DFIs pose a substantial risk for veterans, potentially leading to amputation.
• Understanding the microbial landscape of DFIs is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of different microbial species isolated from DFIs in U.S. veterans.
• To identify the most common pathogens contributing to DFIs within this population.
• To provide data that can inform empiric antibiotic therapy for DFIs.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of microbial cultures from DFIs in U.S. veterans.
• Identification and quantification of all microbial species isolated.
• Statistical analysis to determine the frequency of each identified microbe.

Main Results:

• A total of 68 distinct microbial species were identified from DFIs.
• The most prevalent isolates included methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (32.7%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (21.8%), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (15.9%).
• Other frequently isolated organisms were Enterococcus faecalis, group B streptococci, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Conclusions:

• The microbial etiology of DFIs in U.S. veterans is diverse.
• Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause of DFI in this cohort.
• Knowledge of common DFI pathogens can guide initial antibiotic choices, improving patient outcomes.