Foot infections in diabetics: the antibiotic choice

Can J Surg. 1993 Apr;36(2):170-2.

Abstract

The authors studied 59 diabetics with foot infections to determine the organisms responsible and the sensitivity to antibiotics. All infections were polymicrobial (aerobic and anaerobic). On average 3.2 isolates per culture were obtained from the depth of the infection. The commonest organisms in order of frequency were: Staphylococcus aureus, beta-hemolytic streptococci, Proteus sp., Bacteroides sp., enterococci, Klebsiella sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A combination of piperacillin and cloxacillin is recommended as initial therapy for foot infections in diabetic patients because it was found to be effective for 73% of the causative microorganisms.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Bacterial Infections*
  • Diabetes Complications*
  • Foot Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Foot Diseases / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents