Bacteroidosis

Abstract

Bacteroides infection frequently complicates surgery, instrumentation, or trauma to the alimentary, upper respiratory, and female genitourinary tracts. Bacteroides sp, alone or with other organisms, also may cause infections in the ear, nose, and throat, and other tissues where defeneses are lowered. Foul-smelling pus, sinus drainage, material from an abscess or infected traumatic wound, or a blood culture made because of a suspected anaerobic complication should be subjected to anaerobic study in the laboratory. Treatment of clinical bacteroidosis consists of specific antibiotics, surgery, oxygen under pressure, and appropriate local dressings. Treatment is often more effective if at least two antibiotics are given concurrently, and antibiotic sensitivity tests are recommended to select the best combination.