Bacteriophage Treatment of Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcers occur as a common complication of diabetes. The concomitant infection significantly delays the healing of the ulcers. Antibiotic treatment of infected ulcers is complicated by the formation of microbial biofilms, which are often heterogeneous and resistant to antibiotics. Bacteriophage therapy is considered an additional approach to the treatment of infected wounds. Here, we describe the basic method of application of bacteriophages for the treatment of infected diabetic foot ulcers, including very large ones.

Keywords: Antibiotic resistance; Bacteriophage therapy; Diabetes; Diabetic foot ulcer; Lytic bacteriophage; Polymicrobial infection.