Clinical and microbiological characteristics of hand infection in female patients with Diabetes Attending University in Qassim, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Hand infection in diabetics is a well-known problem which results in high morbidity and occasional mortality. Patients and methods: 182 cases of hand infection were collected from the Qassim University over the past two years. 114 diabetic female patients, of any type (1, 2), were included in this study. Clinical examination and culture were done. Different media were used for the isolation of aerobic, anaerobic and yeast. Results: E. coli was the most prevalent organism in diabetic patients. The isolates that were observed in decreasing order of frequency, in diabetic patients, were E. coli, S. aureus, Streptococcus beta hemolytic, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus sp., Streptococcus viridans, Enterobacter, anaerobes and yeast (Candida). In the control cases we found S.aureus in high percentage followed by Coagulase negative Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and E.coli, Streptococcus beta hemolytic, P. aeruginosa, anaerobes and in low percentage K. pneumonia and Enterobacter. Conclusions: This study demonstrates bacterial composition of diabetic's hand flora predominated by Gram negative organisms. The presence of anaerobes, and fungi is noted.