Objective: to determine the frequency of culture-positive DFUs, identify the microbial profile, and analyze the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns among diabetic patients at Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College (GMMMC) Hospital, Sukkur. 

Study Setting: Department of Medicine, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical Teaching Hospital, Sukkur. 

Duration of Study: Six months (January ’24 to June ’24), following approval by the CPSP. 

Data Collection: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 diabetic patients with DFUs. A non-probability consecutive sampling technique was used. Culture and sensitivity testing were performed on tissue samples collected from infected ulcers. Frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were calculated. 

Results: Of the 150 DFU cases, 72 (48.0%) were culture-positive. The most commonly isolated organisms were Escherichia coli (29.2%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (25.0%), Staphylococcus aureus (23.6%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22.2%). The highest antibiotic sensitivity was observed for cephalosporins (60.7%), followed by vancomycin (12.7%). The highest resistance was noted against cephalosporins (39.3%) and penicillin (37.5%). 

Conclusion: The study highlights a high burden of MDR infections in DFUs, necessitating improved antibiotic stewardship and infection control measures. Routine culture-based sensitivity testing should be integrated into clinical practice for targeted antibiotic therapy. Further research on biofilm formation and novel antimicrobial therapies is recommended to enhance DFU management and reduce complications. 

Keywords: Diabetic foot ulcer, antimicrobial resistance, multidrug-resistant bacteria, microbiological profile, antibiotic susceptibility.

Muhammad Faheemullah Kamboh is a medical professional and postgraduate trainee in the Department of Medicine at Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College (GMMMC) Hospital, Sukkur, Pakistan. His clinical and research interests focus on diabetes mellitus, diabetic foot disease, infectious complications, and antimicrobial resistance. He has contributed to research evaluating the microbial profile and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in patients with diabetic foot ulcers, with the aim of improving evidence-based management of diabetic foot infections and reducing associated morbidity.

Kamboh has co-authored peer-reviewed publications investigating diabetic foot infections and vascular insufficiency in patients with diabetes, reflecting his commitment to advancing clinical research and improving patient outcomes. His work emphasizes the importance of timely diagnosis, appropriate antimicrobial therapy, and multidisciplinary management of diabetic foot complications. Through his involvement in both clinical practice and medical research, he continues to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in internal medicine and diabetes care.