Introduction and objective:
Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are predisposed to colonization of the nasopharynx by opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria due to impaired immune function. The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence and antibiotic resistance patterns of pathogenic microflora in the nasal cavity and throat of patients with T2DM.

Material and methods:
Nasal and throat swabs were collected from 88 T2DM patients. A total of 627 microbial isolates were analyzed, including 90 potentially pathogenic strains. Species identification was performed using standard culture techniques and VITEK 2. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined according to EUCAST guidelines.

Results:
Pathogenic bacteria were detected in 88% of nasal samples. The most frequently isolated Gram-positive organisms were Staphylococcus epidermidis MSCNS (33.3%) and Staphylococcus haemolyticus MSCNS (3.2%). Predominant gram–negative isolates included Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Gram-positive bacteria showed highest susceptibility to cephalosporins, but exhibited significant resistance to quinolones and glycopeptides (50% each). For Gram-negative isolates, resistance to penicillins with inhibitors reached 67%.

Conclusions:
The high prevalence and specific antibiotic resistance profiles of nasopharyngeal pathogens in T2DM patients underscore the importance of routine microbiological surveillance and tailored antibiotic stewardship.