Bacteriological profile and antibiogram of diabetic foot ulcers

Objectives: To determine the bacteriological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern in diabetic foot ulcer cases. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda. A total of 111 samples from diabetic foot ulcer patients were processed using standard bacteriological methods. Isolates were identified by colony morphology, biochemical tests, and organism-specific confirmatory tests. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using Kirby– Bauer disc diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines 2024. Results: Out of 111 samples, 69 (62%) were culture positive while 42 (38%) were sterile. Gram-negative bacteria (72.47%) predominated over Gram-positive isolates (27.53%). Among Gram-negative organisms, Escherichia coli (36%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (24%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22%) were the most common isolates. Among Gram-positive organisms, Staphylococcus aureus (84.21%) predominated. Imipenem, minocycline, and amikacin showed high susceptibility against Gram-negative isolates, whereas linezolid, vancomycin, teicoplanin, and tigecycline were highly effective against Gram-positive isolates. Conclusion: Gram-negative organisms were the predominant pathogens isolated from diabetic foot ulcers. Knowledge of local antimicrobial susceptibility patterns is essential for appropriate empirical therapy and effective management of diabetic foot infections.