[Diagnosis of anaerobic bacteria in bronchial secretions in pulmonary diseases]

Abstract

In 50 bronchoscopic examinations the microflora of bronchial secretions has been investigated especially in order to detect anaerobic microbes with the use of the glove-box-method. In 19 patients we found the bronchial secretions steril (particularly carcinomas). Eight patients showed anaerobic gramnegative rods (Bacteroides and Fusobacteria) as predominant germs. Also in eight patients we found a mixed culture consisting in several anaerobic gram-negative rods, anaerobic gram-positive sporeless rods, anaerobic cocci, partly Clostridia and aerobes (carcinomas, pneumonias). A contamination can be excluded. In a series of patients anaerobes must be considered as infectious agent, in abscessed pneumonias particularly Bacteroides and Fusobacteria. Repeatedly an impressive clinical improvement has been established under the treatment by Metronidazol. The evidence of anaerobes especially succeeded in cases with copious mucopurulent or pure purulent secretions. The accumulation of anaerobes in bronchial secretions in alcoholics is evident.