Bacteroides: a cause of residual abscess?

Bacteroides fragilis as a cause of residual abscess has not been previously demonstrated. This clinical and bacteriologic study of 54 consecutive cases of appendectomy in children suggests that if B. fragilis is found in the peritoneal fluid at the time of operation there is a strong possibility of residual abscess development. Special collection and culture methods are necessary to obtain positive cultures of this strictly anaerobic organism.