Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Pathogenicity Factors of Staphylococcus Pettenkoferi in Foot Wounds and Osteitis in Diabetic Patients

This research is investigating a particular type of germ called Staphylococcus pettenkoferi, which is often found in foot sores and bone infections in people living with diabetes. While we know other germs like Staphylococcus aureus can cause issues, we don't know much about S. pettenkoferi. This germ is the seventh most common in diabetic foot ulcers, suggesting it might play an important role. Researchers want to understand exactly how this germ causes infections, why some types are more harmful than others, and how they become resistant to medicines. By learning more about this, we hope to improve treatments for difficult foot infections in diabetic patients.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nīmes

Enrolment target

230

Start

01 Jan 2024

Estimated completion

01 May 2026

Diabetic Foot Ulcer

What is this study about?

Imagine you have a long-lasting foot sore because of your diabetes. Sometimes, germs get into these sores and make them worse. This study focuses on a specific germ called *Staphylococcus pettenkoferi*. While we know a lot about some germs that cause problems in these foot sores, we don't know much about this one, even though it's quite common. Researchers at a hospital in Nîmes, France, noticed that this germ is often present in samples from diabetic foot ulcers and bone infections, and it seems to live in sticky films called 'biofilms' which protect them and make them harder to treat.

Previous small studies by the same team showed that some types of *Staphylococcus pettenkoferi* can be quite aggressive. They found that these germs could survive in human blood and cells, and even harmed tiny zebrafish in experiments. They also discovered that not all types of *Staphylococcus pettenkoferi* are the same; some are much better at forming these protective sticky films and can cause more damage. This suggests there are different 'families' of this germ with different strengths.

The main goal of this research is to dig deeper into what makes *Staphylococcus pettenkoferi* harmful. Researchers are looking at the genes of these germs to understand how they become resistant to medicines, what makes them harmful, and how they form those protective biofilms. By understanding these tiny details, doctors hope to gain a much clearer picture of how these infections develop. This knowledge could eventually lead to new and better ways to treat these difficult foot and bone infections in people with diabetes, making a real difference in their care.

Key takeaways

Looks at a common germ, Staphylococcus pettenkoferi, in diabetic foot infections.
Aims to understand what makes this germ harmful and resistant to medicines.
Uses existing germ samples in lab research, no patient participation needed.
Could lead to improved treatments for diabetic foot ulcers and bone infections.
Focuses on how germs form protective biofilms and cause disease.

Who may be eligible?

This research is different from many studies because it doesn't involve new patients directly. Instead, the researchers are using a collection of *Staphylococcus pettenkoferi* samples that have already been gathered from past patients at Nîmes University Hospital.

This means there are no specific rules about who can or cannot join the study based on their health or personal details. The research is focused solely on understanding the germs themselves, not on testing treatments or procedures on people.

Therefore, if you are a patient, you do not need to apply to be part of this study, as it's carried out in the lab using existing germ samples.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

This study uses laboratory samples, not human volunteers.
You do not need to meet any health criteria to be part of this study.
There are no age restrictions as patients are not directly involved.
No specific gender is required, as the study is on germ samples.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study does not involve people participating directly. Instead, researchers are using existing samples of *Staphylococcus pettenkoferi* germs that were collected from patients in the past. They will study these germ samples in the laboratory. This means there are no appointments, medications, follow-up visits, or specific actions required from patients.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study is conducted in a laboratory using stored germ samples and doesn't involve real people, there are no direct risks or benefits to patients. The potential benefit is that the findings from this research could lead to a better understanding of difficult foot infections in people with diabetes, potentially improving future treatments. Patients do not need to worry about the right to withdraw as they are not directly involved.

Locations (1)

Nîmes University Hospital
Verified postcode
Nîmes, France

Common questions

What is Staphylococcus pettenkoferi?

It's a type of germ (bacteria) that can be found in people, especially in foot wounds and bone infections in those with diabetes.

Why is this germ important?

It's the seventh most common germ found in diabetic foot ulcers, but we don't know much about how it causes problems, so this study aims to find out.

Who is involved in this study?

The study is done in a laboratory using existing samples of the germ. No patients are directly involved in participating in the study.

Will this study help me if I have diabetes?

While you won't be directly involved, learning more about this germ could lead to better treatments for diabetic foot infections in the future.

What are 'biofilms'?

Biofilms are sticky layers that germs form, making them harder to get rid of and more resistant to medicines.