UNUSUAL INFECTIONS IN DIABETES

Infection with rare organisms or at unusual sites occur more frequentl y in people with diabetes. If not recognised and treated promptly, mor bidity and mortality are high in such cases. Here we report cases of n ecrotising fascitis, malignant otitis externa, Fournier's gangrene and psoas abscess occurring in diabetics that needed intensive treatment with antibiotics, surgical debridement and insulin. Literature reviews suggest that cellular defence mechanisms may be impaired in people wi th diabetes. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserve d.