Bacteriological profiles of diabetic ulcers in cases of major limb amputation: insights from Solomon Islands.

OBJECTIVE

Solomon Islands, a Western Pacific nation, faces a growing burden of type II diabetes amid chronic healthcare shortages. Surgeons report increased incidence of diabetic amputations; however, data on infection rates and pathology remain scarce. This study describes the microbiology of diabetic ulcers in cases of major limb amputation.

METHOD: Demographic, microbiological and outcome data were extracted from records of patients with diabetes who underwent major limb amputation from 2018-2023 in Solomon Islands.

RESULTS

Among 356 adults who underwent major limb amputation, microbiological data were available for 113 (32%). Pus and tissue cultures identified 20 bacterial species-predominantly Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=27; 24%), mixed enteric organisms (n=25; 23%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=18; 16%). Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was identified in one patient. Antibiotic resistance was observed in 62 (55%) cultures, with the highest resistance rates against: ampicillin (31 cases); amoxicillin (31 cases); gentamicin (21 cases); and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (21 cases). Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus spp. were significantly associated with resistance.

CONCLUSION

The bacterial diversity and high resistance rates identified in this study are concerning given limited access to next-generation antibiotics in Solomon Islands. Further research is needed to evaluate infection management, resistance drivers and clinical outcomes of antibiotic-resistant infections in Solomon Islands.