Molecular detection of Bacteroides fragilis in biopsies of diabetic foot infection in Mexico’s northeast region

Abstract

Diabetic foot infection (DFI) is a worldwide health problem. In Mexico, 128000 amputation resulting from diabetic foot were reported in 2016, generating high economic costs. Part of this problem is because the correct identification of bacteria in DFI can take several days, and some pathogen agents are not readily detected. Additionally, routine cultures are focused on aerobic bacteria, leaving aside anaerobes detection, and because of that, anaerobes contribution of DFI infection is still controversial. Molecular methods allow indirect detection of anaerobic bacteria, so it is possible to estimate its prevalence. The aim of this works was to detect the presence of Bacteroides fragilis in biopsies of diabetic foot infection by PCR. 11.6% of the samples were positive for B. fragilis DNA, which indicated that a relevant prevalence of this bacterium is present in DFI. B. fragilis may play a role on the development of such infection and represent a health risk for the patients.