STUDY OF FUNGAL INFECTION IN DIABETIC FOOT ULCER

Vikram Kala; Prerna Panjeta; Ashutosh Kumar; Kashmeer khan; Manish Sharma

Volume : V, Issue : IX, September - 2016

STUDY OF FUNGAL INFECTION IN DIABETIC FOOT ULCER

Vikram Kala, Prerna Panjeta, Ashutosh Kumar, Kashmeer Khan, Manish Sharma

Abstract :

Background: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of fungal infection in diabetic foot ulcers and to study the factors influencing fungal positivity. Methods: A total of 100 diabetic foot ulcer patients admitted or who visited on outpatient basis to our hospital over a period of 1 year from May 2014 to April 2015. Fungal isolation from the ulcer was done by 10% KOH study, Gram stain, SDA culture and slide culture methods. The outcome of the disease was studied based on ulcer progression; wound healing & tissue loss/ amputation. Results: In present study polymicrobial flora in diabetic foot ulcer was seen (137 organisms in 100 subjects), predominantly with enterobacteriaceae and pseudomonas. Prevalence of coexisting fungal infection in the present study was 19% of which candida species was the commonest. Fungal infection was more commonly seen in long standing (4–5 months) non–healing ulcer on antibiotic therapy. Conclusion: The present study signifies the need of mycological evaluation of a non–healing diabetic ulcer of a longer duration, with poor progression despite antibacterial therapy and foot care, and introduction of prudent antifungal treatment for proved fungal infection in diabetic foot ulcer and thus, to consider fungal infection as a significant risk factor in diabetic foot ulcer.