Mrs MF is a 78 year old female living at home alone. She has been admitted to the hospital with worsening cellulitis on right lower leg and infected ulcer in her right foot. Mrs MF has been attending the outpatient wound care clinic at the local hospital twice a week for the past two months for the management of her foot ulcer. Her past medical history includes hypertension, chronic back pain, type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and recurrent cellulitis for the past three months.

a) Discuss three key factors that contribute to the development of diabetic foot infections. (6 marks)

b) State the risk factors Mrs MF has for developing infection that are caused by resistant organisms. (2 marks)

c) Suggest the most suitable empirical antibiotic regimen for this patient with drug name, dosage regimen and duration of treatment. Explain you rationale on choosing such regimen. (3 marks)

d) After finishing two weeks of IV antibiotics, Mrs MF is now ready to be discharged with oral antibiotics for further eight weeks. What special concerns are associated with long courses of antibiotics? (4 marks)