MRSA is present in approximately what percent of diabetic foot ulcers?

MRSA is present in approximately what percent of diabetic foot ulcers?

• A. 10-32%
• B. 5-9%
• C. 70-80%
• D. 40-50%

Answer: (A)

MRSA presence in diabetic foot ulcers is typically a minority to a minority-plus share of cases, not the dominant pathogen. Across many studies, about 10% to the low 30s percent of ulcers yield MRSA on culture. That makes the 10-32% range the best fit, and it highlights why clinicians often consider MRSA coverage in empiric therapy when the local prevalence is in this range or higher, or when patient risk factors or severe infection are present. The other ranges (5-9% being quite low, or 40-50% and 70-80% being much higher than most reported rates) don’t align with typical epidemiology of MRSA in diabetic foot ulcers.

MRSA presence in diabetic foot ulcers is typically a minority to a minority-plus share of cases, not the dominant pathogen. Across many studies, about 10% to the low 30s percent of ulcers yield MRSA on culture. That makes the 10-32% range the best fit, and it highlights why clinicians often consider MRSA coverage in empiric therapy when the local prevalence is in this range or higher, or when patient risk factors or severe infection are present. The other ranges (5-9% being quite low, or 40-50% and 70-80% being much higher than most reported rates) don’t align with typical epidemiology of MRSA in diabetic foot ulcers.