Prevalence and Predictors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Among Hospitalized Patients With Diabetic Foot Infections

Background: (PsA), but the frequency of PsA DFIs is poorly understood. The study objectives were to quantify the prevalence of and determine predictors for PsA DFIs. Methods: coding, antibiotic treatment, and DFI culture with organism growth. Osteomyelitis was excluded. Patient characteristics were described and compared; the primary outcome was presence of PsA on DFI culture. Predictors of PsA DFI were identified using multivariable logistic regression. Results: (35%) and streptococci (32%); 147 (54%) cultures were polymicrobial. Two hundred fifty-seven (88%) patients received empiric antibiotics active against PsA, but only 27 (9%) patients had PsA DFI. Immunocompromised status (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.6 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.3-16.7]) and previous outpatient DFI antibiotic treatment failure (aOR, 4.8 [95% CI, 1.9-11.9]) were associated with PsA DFI. Conclusions: PsA DFI is uncommon, but most patients receive empiric antipseudomonal antibiotics. Empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics are warranted given the frequency of mixed infections, but patient-specific risk factors should be considered before adding antipseudomonal coverage.