Unusual infections in diabetes.

Infection with rare organisms or at unusual sites occur more frequently in people with diabetes. If not recognised and treated promptly, morbidity and mortality are high in such cases. Here we report cases of necrotising fascitis, malignant otitis externa, Fournier's gangrene and psoas abscess occurring in diabetics that needed intensive treatment with antibiotics, surgical debridement and insulin. Literature reviews suggest that cellular defence mechanisms may be impaired in people with diabetes.