Anaerobic Septicemia From Thrombophlebitis of the Internal Jugular Vein

Abstract

A patient had anaerobic septicemia associated with thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein. This infection has characteristic features, and diagnosis is not difficult, provided the physician is aware of the syndrome. A prompt clinical response to metronidazole occurred after other antibiotics commonly recommended for anaerobic infections had failed. This case highlights recent observations that suggest an important role for metronidazole in anaerobic bacterial, as well as anaerobic protozoal, infections. (JAMA230:1168-1169, 1974)