[Susceptibility to infection in patients with diabetes mellitus].

A variety of possible mechanisms that might explain such susceptibility are described in the literature. Still, definite explanations for and actual proof of this supposed susceptibility remains scarce. Most evidence has been provided for urinary tract infections, bacterial skin infections, and skin and mucosal Candida infections. A recent Dutch study among patients presenting to general practitioners provides further evidence for the increased susceptibility to this kind of infections, but also revealed a more frequent occurrence of lower respiratory tract infections and other skin or mucosal mycotic infections. Furthermore, there was an increased risk of prostatitis.