Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and hospitalization in diabetic patients worldwide, especially in developing countries like India. This prospective observational study at a tertiary care hospital in eastern India analyzed the microbiological profile of DFUs from 150 patients over two years. Samples were cultured and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. Gram-negative bacteria predominated in diabetic foot infections (DFIs), with Escherichia coli (19.3%), Pseudomonas (14%), and Staphylococcus aureus (12%) being most common. Gram-positive isolates showed highest susceptibility to linezolid, vancomycin, and amoxycillin. Gram-negative bacteria were most susceptible to imipenem and meropenem, followed by ampicillin-sulbactam, amikacin, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin. Notably, 88.3% of isolates were monomicrobial. The study highlights the need for local antibiograms, microbiological exams, and susceptibility testing before antibiotic therapy, diverging from empirical guidelines to optimize treatment and combat resistance.

Abhishek Soham Satpathy is an emerging medical professional specializing in surgery, currently serving as a Senior Resident at PGIMER Chandigarh, India. His work focuses on surgical interventions and infectious diseases, particularly in the context of diabetic complications and rare abdominal conditions. With a total of 5 citations across his publications, Satpathy's research underscores the importance of tailored antimicrobial strategies and diagnostic vigilance in surgical practice. Based in eastern India, he continues to contribute to patient care and medical literature in a region where diabetic foot ulcers pose a significant public health challenge.