BACTEROIDES INFECTIONS

Abstract

35 cases of Bacteroides infections were observed at the John Gaston Hospital during a 5-yr. period. Many of these infections are misdiagnosed because they are not considered; Careful anaerobic bacteriologic studies should be carried out, particularly in undiagnosed septicemias following surgical or traumatic involvement of the intestinal, respiratory or genito-urinary tract. The cases surveyed in the present study were classified on the basis of the portal of entry of the Bacteroides organisms. 21 of 35 patients in the present series were in critical condition; 11 died. Necropsies were performed in 9 instances. In vitro sensitivity studies, using Bacteroides organisms isolated from 14 patients, established that aureomycin is more effective than sulfadiazine, penicillin or streptomycin. Appropriate treatment should include the oral or intraven. administration of adequate amts. of aureomycin, maintenance of proper nutrition, preservation of electrolyte balance and the employment of indicated surgical procedures for drainage of purulent material. Such therapy has been effective in 2 cases of Bacteroides funduliformis septicemia.