Understanding Pseudomonas in Diabetes

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, commonly referred to in medical contexts as Pseudomonas, is a Gram-negative bacterium that can cause a range of infections. While it is known for its association with serious hospital-acquired infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients, its prevalence in diabetic foot infections is often overestimated. In fact, guidelines indicate that empiric coverage for Pseudomonas in cases of diabetic foot infections is generally not recommended due to the lower than assumed incidence rate. Studies suggest that only about 8% of diabetic foot infections have been found to harbor Pseudomonas, which contrasts sharply with the high rates at which it is often treated empirically.