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Analysis of pathogen distribution and association with lipid levels in patients with diabetic foot

Yan Chen1, Weihong Chen1, Yinxia Zhuo2

  • 1Department of Endocrinology, Ma'anshan People's Hospital, Ma'anshan, Anhui, China.

Frontiers in Medicine
|June 8, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Lipid profiles did not significantly impact pathogen types or antibiotic resistance in diabetic foot infections. This finding suggests lipid metabolism may not play a direct role in diabetic foot infection outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Diabetic foot infection (DFI) is a serious diabetes complication.
  • Dyslipidemia is frequently observed in DFI patients.
  • The link between lipid profiles, DFI pathogens, and antimicrobial resistance is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between lipid profiles and the characteristics of pathogens causing diabetic foot infections.
  • To determine if lipid levels correlate with antimicrobial resistance patterns in DFI.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of clinical and microbiological data from 85 DFI patients (Jan 2021-Aug 2024).
  • Measurement of lipid parameters: total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C.
  • Identification of pathogens and assessment of antimicrobial susceptibility using standard microbiological techniques and CLSI guidelines.

Main Results:

  • Gram-positive bacteria were the predominant pathogens (54.12%), followed by Gram-negative bacteria (38.82%).
  • Common isolates included Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
  • No significant associations were found between lipid levels and pathogen groups, or between lipid levels and drug resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Lipid profiles are not significantly associated with pathogen distribution or antimicrobial resistance in diabetic foot infections.
  • Further prospective research is necessary to elucidate the role of lipid metabolism in DFI susceptibility and patient outcomes.
Keywords:
antimicrobial susceptibilitydiabetic footlipid levelpathogenpersonalized treatment

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