Study of fungal and bacterial infections of the diabetic foot.

Microbiological study for aerobic organisms, anaerobic organisms and fungi from 105 cases of diabetic foot ulcers was carried out to determine the aetiological agents and their antibiograms. Out of 265 microbial isolates obtained, 160 were aerobes, 50 anaerobes and 55 fungal strains. Polymicrobial infection was observed in 73 (69.5%) cases. The most frequently isolated aerobic microorganisms were Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Among the anaerobes Bacteroides melaninogenicus and Bacteroides fragilis were most common. Candida species were preponderant among the fungal isolates. Antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of the isolates is discussed in detail.