A patient with diabetes has a history of foot ulcer progressing to infection. Sp

Question

A patient with diabetes has a history of foot ulcer progressing to infection. Specifically, this is recurrent diabetic foot infection (DFI). That is, despite apparent success of the treatment the infection continues to reappear. The initial diagnosis by the pathology laboratory uses microbiological investigation that has identified Staphylococcus aureus in this infection. Further simple analysis by PCR has revealed the presence of common toxins associated with S. aureus infections in the blood, skin and soft tissue and bone. Describe a research plan you would undertake to identify:

• if the recurrence of infection is due to a new infection or the same bacteria remaining present,

• the molecular mechanisms used by this specific S. aureus isolate for its colonization,

• the molecular mechanisms for its persistence and recurrent cause of DFI disease.

Explanation / Answer

Staphylococcus aureus is a member of the normal bacterial flora of the body and normally found in the nose, respiratory tract, and on the skin.

Additionally, DNA sequencing of S. aureus present in the patient infection can be carried out to identify any new strain present in the infection.

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