Abstracto

Soft tissue infection in intravenous drug users: current challenges

Fiiza Rehwan 1, Folix Dafnnis-Culas 2, Neqash Mosaod 3*

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are the most common infections in the community and healthcare settings. There are different risk factors associated with SSTIs, including trauma, surgery, skin diseases, immunological defects, and injection drug use. Intravenous drug users (IDUs) are frequently susceptible to SSTIs due to unsafe injection practices, needle sharing, and low immunity. Intravenous drug use is more common in young and homeless people worldwide. Although Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes are the most common pathogens, there are serious infections caused by rare pathogens, such as Clostridium botulinum botulism and Clostridium tetni tetanus. Prompt diagnosis and accurate management at the healthcare level will help relieve symptoms and improve outcomes. Continuing education and improving the implementation of prevention strategies are the responsibility of local and national government to reduce harmful drug use. In this review, we address the current challenges associated with pathogens causing SSTI in IDUs and their management and preventive strategies.