1Research Scholar, Crescent School of Pharmacy, BS Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Vandalur, Chennai, India.
2Research Scholar, Crescent School of Pharmacy, BS Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Vandalur, Chennai, India.
3*Associate Professor, Crescent School of Pharmacy, BS Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Vandalur, Chennai, India.
Graphical Abstract: (Graphical abstract content not provided)
Background: Patients with diabetes have elevated blood sugar levels over time, making them more vulnerable to infections. Urinary tract infections, lung infections, and severe foot infections are typical illnesses associated with hyperglycaemic situations. These infections lead to serious health problems, extended hospital stays, and higher medical costs. Due to these complications, early prevention and treatment are crucial.
Objective: To determine the common infections associated with diabetes, the bacteria responsible for these infections, and the available treatments in a tertiary care facility.
Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at IQRRA International Hospital and Research Centre, Kozhikode, from 1st October 2023 to September 2024. Data were collected from medical records and structural data collection forms of 41 diabetic patients suffering from various severe infections. The study analyzed demographic details, infection types, and effective treatments.
Results: Among the 41 diabetic patients included in the study, a high percentage of males were affected by infections associated with diabetes (61% men vs. 39% women). Most patients were in the age group of 60–70 years (37%). Diabetic foot infection was the most common type, affecting approximately 33% of patients, followed by urinary tract infections and respiratory tract infections (23% each). Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant bacterium causing diabetic foot infections (69%). Urinary tract infections and respiratory tract infections were primarily caused by Escherichia coli (56%), Streptococcus pneumoniae, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (33%) and Staphylococcus aureus. The high prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli highlights the need for early identification of causative microorganisms and appropriate treatment regimens.
Keywords: Diabetes associated infections, Prevalence, Diabetic Foot Infections (DFI), Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), Respiratory Tract Infections
How to cite this article: Ruby R, Shafeena T, Ansari LH. Prevalence and Microbial Profile of Diabetes Mellitus-Associated Infections in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Retrospective Observational Study. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(13s): 791-800. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.13s.85.
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None