Multifaceted Antibiotic Resistance in Diabetic Foot Infections: A Systematic Review
Summary: This systematic review and limited meta-analysis (2014–2024) analyzed 28 studies to evaluate bacterial prevalence and antibiotic resistance patterns in diabetic foot infections (DFIs). The findings highlight high rates of multidrug resistance (MDR), associations with comorbidities, and the importance of culture-guided therapy in preventing treatment failure.
Key Highlights:
- Common pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent isolate, followed by Pseudomonas, Enterococcus, Enterobacter, and Escherichia coli.
- Resistance trends: High rates of both mono- and multidrug resistance were observed, with Acinetobacter showing the greatest MDR burden.
- Comorbidity correlations: Dyslipidemia, hypertension, nephropathy, peripheral vascular disease, prior amputation, and smoking were strongly linked with resistance profiles.
- Study limitations: Most studies originated from China and Malaysia, with male patients overrepresented, which may limit generalizability.
- Clinical impact: Empiric antibiotic use without culture testing risks treatment failure in MDR infections. Regular antibiogram surveillance and individualized therapy are essential for effective management.
Read the full article in Microorganisms (MDPI)
Keywords:
Weiqi Li,
Oren Sadeh,
Jina Chakraborty,
Emily Yang,
Paramita Basu,
Priyank Kumar,
diabetic foot infection,
antibiotic resistance,
multidrug resistance,
antimicrobial stewardship