Table 3.

Diabetic foot infection classification schemes: Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)

Clinical description	Infectious Diseases Society of America	International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot
Wound without purulence or any manifestations of inflammation	Uninfected	1
≥2 Manifestations of inflammation (purulence or erythema, pain, tenderness, warmth, or induration); any cellulitis or erythema extends ≤2 cm around ulcer, and infection is limited to skin or superficial subcutaneous tissues; no local complications or systemic illness	Mild	2
Infection in a patient who is systemically well and metabolically stable but has ≥2 cm; lymphangitis; spread beneath fascia; deep tissue abscess; gangrene; muscle, tendon, joint, or bone involvement	Moderate	3
Infection in a patient with systemic toxicity or metabolic instability (e.g., fever, chills, tachycardia, hypotension, confusion, vomiting, leukocytosis, acidosis, hyperglycemia, or azotemia)	Severe	4

Source: Adapted from Lavery et al. (36).