Can Microbes Predict Amputation Severity?

Diabetic foot complications often escalate and lead to devastating consequences, particularly lower limb amputations. This study recorded the microorganisms isolated from Major and Minor diabetic lower limb amputations over a period of four years. This retrospective observational study analysed data obtained from a tertiary care centre for diabetes in Chennai, India, from 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2024. A predominance of Gram negative microorganisms for both Major and Minor amputations were observed. Most infections were monomicrobial. Proteus mirabilis and Enterococcus spp. were most frequently isolated from Major and Minor amputations respectively. The difference between dominant pathogens isolated from Major and Minor amputations suggest complex infection dynamics within the site of infection. This study also reinforces the importance of routine microbiological surveillance. Cumulatively, these findings indicate the need for further investigation.