Skin and Soft Tissue Infections Caused by Gram-Negative Pathogens

Gram-negative bacteria are increasingly recognized as important pathogens in skin and soft tissue infections, particularly in specific clinical contexts such as water exposure, burns, diabetic foot infections, bite wounds, traumatic wounds, injection drug use, and health care-associated infections. These infections often occur in patients with underlying comorbidities and are frequently polymicrobial. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, with microbiologic confirmation typically obtained in complicated cases. Exposure history and host risk factors help guide suspicion for gram-negative bacterial involvement. Management requires prompt initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy and effective source control to improve clinical outcomes.