Postoperative wound microbiota in diabetic patients with perianal abscess: a 16s rRNA gene sequencing study.

BACKGROUND

Perianal abscesses are common in colorectal surgery, requiring surgical drainage and wound care. Diabetic patients often experience delayed wound healing and increased infection risk due to systemic factors and altered microbiota. This study investigated the postoperative wound microbiota in diabetic patients with perianal abscesses using 16s rRNA sequencing, aiming to identify potential microbial contributions to wound healing outcomes.

RESULTS

The study compared wound microbiota between 22 diabetic patients and 22 non-diabetic patients undergoing perianal abscess surgery. Diabetic patients exhibited significantly lower microbial diversity and richness compared to non-diabetic patients. Specific bacterial taxa were enriched in the diabetic group, including Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus, and Lactobacillales, while beneficial bacteria like Bacteroides and Ruminococcaceae were reduced. Functional prediction analysis revealed significant differences in metabolic pathways, with diabetic wounds showing increased carbohydrate metabolism and chitin biosynthesis, and decreased energy metabolism and endocrine system function.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the distinct wound microbiota characteristics of diabetic patients with perianal abscesses, suggesting potential microbial contributions to delayed wound healing. The findings underscore the importance of considering the wound microbiome in managing postoperative wound care for diabetic patients. Strategies to modulate the wound microbiota, such as probiotics or antibiotics, may be beneficial in improving healing outcomes. Further research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms driving the observed microbial dysbiosis and its impact on wound healing in diabetic patients.