Comparative diagnostic evaluation of real-time PCR and culture for detecting pathogens in podiatric wound infections

Abstract

Chronic wounds, including diabetic foot infections, are a major cause of hospitalization and amputation worldwide. Conventional culture often requires several days and may miss fastidious or coexisting pathogens, delaying targeted therapy. In this study, we demonstrate that a real-time PCR wound panel provides same-day results with broader organism detection while maintaining strong concordance for key pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . By revealing additional clinically significant bacteria supported by high organism burden, Gram-stain concordance, and resistance-gene detection, molecular testing provides a more comprehensive view of the wound microbial profile. These results support PCR as a rapid, broad-range, and potentially first-line diagnostic method that complements culture and enables earlier, more informed treatment decisions.