Factors associated with methicillin resistance in diabetic foot infections.

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcal infections often present a challenge to physicians treating patients with pedal wounds. Most methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections have been thought of as nosocomial in origin. Several studies have identified specific modes of transmission via hospital reservoirs such as the anterior nares of the patient, inanimate objects within close proximity of the patient, and direct contamination from health care providers. Exposure of patients to these reservoirs through hospitalization has been shown to increase the patient's risk of obtaining a methicillin-resistant S. aureus infection. Diabetic patients with a high risk for foot complications may be in greater danger of developing a methicillin-resistant S. aureus infection in that repeated hospitalizations, lengthier hospital stays, and the presence of open wounds facilitate exposure to these reservoirs.