AEROBIC BACTERIAL PROFILE OF DIABETIC ULCER IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE.

Corresponding Author:
Sreekumary Puthusseril Kunjappan,
Additional Professor,
Department of Microbiology,
Government Medical College,
Kottayam-686008.
E-mail: drsreekumarypk@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most challenging health problem in 21^st century and fifth leading cause of death in developed countries.^[1] Ulceration of foot is the most common problem affecting approximately 15% of diabetic patients during their lifetime.^[2]

The objective of the study was to find the aerobic bacterial profile of diabetic ulcer and to determine their antibiotic sensitivity pattern in a tertiary care centre.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 147 samples of diabetic ulcers were tested microbiologically using standard techniques and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for the isolated pathogens using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method.

RESULTS

The rate of culture positivity was 100% and polymicrobial. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequent isolated pathogen (50.34%) followed by Escherichia coli (19.72%) and Klebsiella (19.04%). Gram-negative bacilli were highly sensitive to Imipenem and Meropenem. Among Staphylococci (29.92%), 17% were MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

CONCLUSION

Continuous surveillance of antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacterial pathogen should be done to ensure rational use of antibiotics for empirical and definitive treatment of diabetic ulcer.

KEYWORDS

Diabetic Ulcer, Polymicrobial, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Imipenem, Meropenem.