Isolation and Distribution of Microorganisms Causing Wound Infections in Diabetic Patients in Kirkuk City, Iraq

Background: Diabetic wound infections are considered one of the main life-threatening diseases among diabetic patients. Foot ulcers are accounting for up to twenty of diabetes-related hospital admission. If leaved untreated, they might result in amputation of feet and legs. The aim of current study was to investigate the isolation and identification of pathogenic microorganisms in wounds of diabetic patients in Kirkuk district, Iraq.

Method: Forty diagnosed diabetic patients, (18 males and 22 females)presented with wound infection at Azadi Teaching Hospital, were selected for the study. Swabs of pus and wound exudates were obtained from infected region for bacteriological studies. Then these swabs cultured on blood agar and MacConkey agar for facultative organisms and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. All cultured isolates were investigated and identified by standard bacteriological and analytical profile index laboratory techniques.

Results: Data from current study revealed that single etiology was observed in 24(60%) of isolates. Polymicrobial infections were observed in 4(10%) of patients and 12(30%) isolates were negative. Also, Staphylococcus aureus was the most common cause of infection which comprised 20% of isolates followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15%) isolates. Moreover, it was found that 12 isolates were due to Pseudomonas spp. constituting 30% of isolates followed by Staphylococcus spp. accounting 25%.

Conclusion: There is no definite etiology in diabetic wound infections and Pseudomonas spp. were responsible for most of wound infections in diabetic patients.