Bacterial and Fungal Infections in Diabetic Patients: Patterns, Resistance, and Implications for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Nigeria

Nyakairu Doreen G.

 

Faculty of Science and Technology Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Diabetic patients in Nigeria are disproportionately affected by bacterial and fungal infections, with hyperglycemia, immune dysfunction, and comorbidities increasing susceptibility and complicating clinical outcomes. Common pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida spp., with rising rates of multidrug-resistant organisms such as MRSA, ESBL-producing Gram-negative bacteria, and azole-resistant fungi. These resistance patterns challenge empirical therapy, prolong hospital stays, increase morbidity and mortality, and escalate healthcare costs. Effective management requires a multifaceted approach incorporating accurate microbiological diagnosis, empiric therapy guided by local antibiograms, timely de-escalation, and non-antibiotic interventions including glycemic control, wound offloading, debridement, and vascular assessment. Early involvement of multidisciplinary teams, strengthened infection prevention and control measures, and implementation of context-specific antimicrobial stewardship programs are critical to reducing resistance and improving patient outcomes. Enhanced surveillance, research, and community education further support evidence-based policy and clinical decision-making to optimize infection management in diabetic populations.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, bacterial infections, fungal infections, antimicrobial resistance.

 

CITE AS: Nyakairu Doreen G. (2026). Bacterial and Fungal Infections in Diabetic Patients: Patterns, Resistance, and Implications for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Nigeria. IDOSR JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY 11(1):72-77. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSR/JBCP/26/102.7277