The Microbiological Status of the Venous Ulcer as a Predictor of Treatment Outcome

Mirela V, Lazareva L and Blagoja V

Published on: 2022-08-08

Abstract

Introduction: The most common ulcers of the lower extremities are of venous etiology. Ulcers can be colonized by different bacterial species at the same time. Treatment of symptomatic infection affects the process of closing the ulcer and reducing its duration.

Material and methods: The study included 105 patients with venous ulcer of the lower extremities, 39 of whom were found to have a symptomatic presence of secondary bacterial colonization.

Results: Statistically significant difference was confirmed in the incidence of secondary bacterial infection between patients with delayed and normal healing of ulcers.

Discussion: Delayed ulcer healing is considered to be present if there is an increase in bacterial colonization and cellulitis, which is an individual characteristic. Infected wounds increase the duration of the ulcer, and thus reduce the quality of life of these patients.