New developments and concepts in antimicrobial therapy for intra-abdominal infections
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Updated: Oct 13, 2026

Antimicrobial Characterization of Advanced Materials for Bioengineering Applications
Published on: August 4, 2018
1Division of Digestive Diseases, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, 4940 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. Zyounes2000@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Antimicrobial therapy plays an integral role in the management of intra-abdominal infections. Recent developments include increased prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (eg, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Enterococcus species) coupled with general decline in the antimicrobial susceptibility of anaerobes and gram-negative organisms, new antibiotics and dosing regimens, and better understanding of the role of various microbial pathogens and of prophylactic antimicrobial agents. Therapeutic approaches to intra-abdominal infections, such as the various forms of peritonitis, cholecystitis, cholangitis, and diverticulitis, are reviewed here. Specific recommendations for antimicrobial therapy in various clinical settings are provided, with special emphasis on recent trends and developments that reflect changes in understanding or therapy.
Insights
Managing intra-abdominal infections requires updated antimicrobial therapy due to rising resistance. This review covers new antibiotics, pathogens, and treatment strategies for infections like peritonitis and diverticulitis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) necessitate effective antimicrobial therapy.
- Emerging antimicrobial resistance in key pathogens (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterococcus species) and reduced susceptibility in anaerobes and gram-negative organisms pose challenges.
- Evolving understanding of microbial roles and prophylactic strategies impacts treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current therapeutic approaches for various intra-abdominal infections.
- To provide specific antimicrobial therapy recommendations for diverse clinical scenarios.
- To highlight recent trends and developments in IAI management.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on antimicrobial therapy for intra-abdominal infections.
- Analysis of recent trends in antimicrobial resistance patterns.
- Synthesis of data on new antibiotics and dosing regimens.
- Evaluation of the role of specific microbial pathogens.
Main Results:
- Increased prevalence of antimicrobial resistance is a significant concern.
- There is a general decline in the susceptibility of anaerobes and gram-negative organisms.
- New antibiotics and optimized dosing regimens are becoming available.
- A better understanding of pathogen roles and prophylactic measures is emerging.
Conclusions:
- Antimicrobial therapy remains crucial for managing intra-abdominal infections.
- Treatment strategies must adapt to rising antimicrobial resistance and evolving pathogen susceptibility.
- Updated recommendations are essential for effective clinical management of peritonitis, cholecystitis, cholangitis, and diverticulitis.
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