Prevalence of diabetic foot ulcer and its associated risk factors among diabetic patients in Jordan

The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers and their risk factors among patients attending the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Genetics [Amman, Jordan]. A systematic random sample of 1,000 diabetic patients was selected from patients attending the diabetes clinic at the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Genetics [Amman, Jordan]. Vascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, and ulcer risk categories were all assessed. There were 49% males in the sample. The mean age of the sample was 52 years, and the mean duration of diabetes was 9.7 years. Diabetic foot ulcer prevalence was 4.6%, sensory neuropathy 14.9%, lower limb ischemia 7.5%, and amputation 1.7%. Ulceration was associated mainly with the male gender, neuropathy, and increased duration of diabetes. Future efforts should be directed toward educating both healthcare professionals and patients about proper foot care. Community based studies are also necessary to determine the actual prevalence of diabetic foot complications

Characterization of enterococci causing nosocomial infections at the Jordan university hospital over a five-year period

This study was carried out to determine the relative frequency, antimicrobial susceptibility, and species distribution of enterococci causing nosocomial infections at the Jordan University Hospital [JUH] over a 5 year period. Presumptive identification of Enterococci was followed by species determination using the Crystal Identification System. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the E-Test, and PCR was used to confirm species identification and determine Vancomycin resistance genotype. Enterococci were responsible for 8.4% of nosocomial infections detected in the study period, the majority of which were associated with wound and urinary tract infections. Enterococcus faecalis was the species most frequently isolated being responsible for 83% of infections, whereas Enterococcus faecium caused 16% of infections. The majority of isolates were resistant to tetracycline and gentamicin with no notable species differences. Resistance to ampicillin and levofloxacin was, however, twice as common among E. faecium as compared to that among E. faecalis. The most important finding of this study is the detection of vancomycin resistance among enterococci. It is critical to realize that resistance to the usual first choice of treatment, ampicillin, is common in Jordan and that resistance to alternative treatments has emerged

Successful treatment of Brucella endocarditis with aortic root abscess

Brucella endocarditis is a rare but fatal complication of Brucellosis, it causes destructive valvular lesions. The aortic valve is the most common affected site. We present a case of Brucella endocarditis with aortic root abscess, the patient received a prolonged combination of antibiotic therapy, and underwent aortic valve replacement. After one and a half years of follow up, the patient is still without signs of recurrence. The high mortality in Brucella endocarditis can be overcome by early diagnosis and aggressive therapy