Mixed Infections and their Control
Abstract
The necessity for treating all components of mixed infections has now been adequately documented in both experimental and clinical studies. The importance of synergistic antimicrobial therapy that will be effective against both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria present in a mixed infection was demonstrated in animal models for treatment of intra-abdominal infection. Peritonitis was induced in rats by introducing gelatin capsules containing cecal contents into their abdominal cavities. The animals that survived the initial septicemic stage caused by coliforms developed intra-abdominal abscesses caused by anaerobes. An evaluation of the effect of therapy with clindamycin, gentamicin, or a combination of both was done. It was shown that the untreated control group and the clindamycin-treated group had identical mortality rates of about 35% due to E. coli sepsis. However, administration of gentamicin alone or in combination with clindamycin led to greater than 90% survival. The data suggest that the early mortality in the peritonitis and septicemic phase is attributable to gentamicin-sensitive coliform bacteria. The effect of this treatment on abscess formation was entirely different.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 29, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADP003877
Entities
People
- I. Brook
Organizations
- Naval Medical Research Center