COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MICROBIAL SPECTRUM BETWEEN HEALING DIABETIC FOOT ULCER AND NON HEALING DIABETIC FOOT ULCER

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a common and debilitating complication of diabetes mellitus, often associated with microbial colonization or infection. Understanding the differences in microbial spectrum between healing and non-healing DFUs is crucial for guiding effective treatment strategies and improving clinical outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to compare the microbial spectrum between healing and non-healing DFUs through a comprehensive microbiological analysis. Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted involving patients with DFUs attending the Saveetha medical college and hospital diabetic foot clinic . Patients were divided into two groups based on the clinical outcome: the healing group, comprising DFUs that showed signs of healing within a specified timeframe, and the non-healing group, comprising DFUs that failed to demonstrate significant improvement or progressed to more severe stages despite standard treatment. Microbial samples were obtained from the ulcer bed using standardized techniques, and microbiological analysis was performed to identify and quantify bacterial species present in the wound. Results: A total of 40 patients with DFUs were included in the study, with 20 patients in the healing group and 20 patients in the non-healing group. Microbiological analysis revealed notable differences in the microbial spectrum between the two groups. The healing group exhibited a lower prevalence of pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus species compared to the non-healing group. Conversely, beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and certain strains of Streptococcus were more prevalent in the healing group. Furthermore, polymicrobial infections were more common in non-healing DFUs, indicating greater microbial complexity and potential for biofilm formation. Conclusion:This comparative study highlights significant differences in the microbial spectrum between healing and non healing DFUs. The presence of specific bacterial species and polymicrobial infections appears to be associated with impaired wound healing and treatment resistance. Tailoring antimicrobial therapy based on the microbial profile of DFUs may enhance the effectiveness of treatment strategies and improve clinical outcomes. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking microbial diversity to wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers.