To study clinical and epidemiological pattern of diabetic foot infections with emphasis on laboratory markers in tertiary care hospital in Southern Haryana

Introduction: Diabetic foot infection (DFI) is among the most severe and debilitating complications of diabetes mellitus. Timely diagnosis, accurate identification of the causative agents and a comprehensive understanding of antimicrobial resistance profiles are crucial for effective treatment and avoiding additional complications.Aim: To study the clinical and epidemiological pattern of diabetic foot infections with emphasis on laboratory markers in tertiary care hospital in Southern Haryana.Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out over one year involving inpatients with DFI who were admitted to the Surgery Department. A total of 50 patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled. Detailed clinical evaluation, ulcer grading (Wagner and PEDIS), and relevant laboratory investigations including TLC, ESR and CRP were performed. Pus swabs were processed for Gram staining, aerobic culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out according to CLSI guidelines.Results: The prevalence of DFI among diabetic patients was 17.4%. Most patients were found in the 51–60 years age group, showing a higher prevalence in males. Among 85 bacterial isolates, Staphylococcus aureus (21.17%) was most common organism, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.47%). Elevated TLC, ESR, and CRP were observed in 54%, 62%, and 68% of patients, respectively.Conclusion: Knowledge of the local microbial profile and antibiotic resistance patterns is essential for empirical therapy and infection control. Timely diagnosis, suitable antibiotic choice and diligent observation of lab indicators can greatly lower the chances of complications and amputations.