Microbiology and management of abdominal infections.

This review describes the microbiology, diagnosis, and management of intra-abdominal infections. These infections include secondary peritonitis, abdominal abscesses, and cholangitis. The infection generally occurs because enteric microorganisms enter the peritoneal cavity through a defect in the wall of the intestine or other viscus as a result of obstruction, infarction, or direct trauma. Mixed aerobic and anaerobic flora can be recovered. The predominant aerobic isolates are Escherichia coli, etc. The aerobic isolates are Escherichia coli, and enterococci, and the main anaerobic bacteria are Bacteroides fragilis group Peptostreptococcus spp. and Clostridium spp. The treatment of abdominal infection includes surgical correction and drainage of pus and administration of antimicrobials effective against both the aerobic and anaerobic pathogens.