Table of ContentsMicrobiology and Current Diagnosis of Diabetic Foot UlcersBacteriophagesRemote Sensing in the Assessment of Diabetic Foot DiseaseFor many years, it has been common practice to treat ulcers diabetic foot with a combination of one of the following: an appropriate dressing; unloading; antibiotics; and improve blood supply. However, the best way to relieve the foot remains unclear. Furthermore, although there are widely respected guidelines for treating infections, the choice of antibiotics is also hotly debated and is based on local sensitivities, availability of antimicrobial agents, and, frequently, the preferences of local microbiologists. Revascularization depends on local availability; Non-invasive techniques such as angioplasty are often only available in specialist centers, meaning that many units in low-resource settings do not have access to this procedure, let alone a vascular surgeon. Even after effective treatment, the probability of relapse is 70%, which frequently leads to amputation. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essayIn this context, new aspects of diabetic foot care and management are emerging. Martha Clokie and Alice Greenway discuss the impact of newer technologies on identifying the organisms present in an ulcer, as well as new approaches to treating infections. Keith Harding and Nia Jones also discuss newer technologies, particularly various uses of remote sensing, which can assist in the early detection of tissue damage, allowing for more rapid intervention to prevent the development of ulceration. (January, Khan H; 2016)Microbiology and current diagnosis of diabetic foot ulcersThe diagnosis of most diabetic foot ulcers is based on the presence of clinical signs and symptoms. Most commonly, tissue biopsies and ulcer fluid aspirates are sent for culture-based identification. A less invasive swab from the base of the ulcer is also used to detect bacteria associated with the surface, but does not detect bacteria associated with deeper structures. The use of non-culture-based molecular microbiological techniques to characterize the microbiota of foot infections could significantly improve our understanding of infection composition and abundance and guide effective antimicrobial selection. These techniques have the advantage over culture-based approaches because they do not depend on the culturability of the bacteria. This is particularly relevant for diabetic foot ulcers, which are typically colonized by anaerobic bacteria that are notoriously difficult to isolate. (January, Khan H; 2016)BacteriophagesDiagnosing infection with deep tissue swabs and selecting the wrong antibiotic can lead to chronic “superbug” infections. Bacteriophages One of the major problems associated with diabetes is peripheral vascular disease and wound ischemia. Poor penetration of antibiotics into tissues due to lack of blood circulation is another reason why antibiotics fail. The lack of effective antibiotic penetration and problems with antibiotic resistance mean that new approaches to treating infections are needed. A promising alternative to standard antibiotics is the use of.