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Published on: July 4, 2019

Intra-abdominal infections

John E Mazuski1, Joseph S Solomkin

  • 1Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA. mazuskij@wustl.edu

The Surgical Clinics of North America
|March 14, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Intra-abdominal infections, often from the gastrointestinal tract, require source control and antimicrobial therapy. Treatment varies based on infection type and patient risk, impacting outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
  • Surgical Infections

Background:

  • Intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) commonly originate from the gastrointestinal tract.
  • These infections are typically polymicrobial, involving aerobic and anaerobic enteric bacteria.
  • IAIs present a significant challenge due to potential morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of intra-abdominal infections.
  • To discuss management strategies including source control and antimicrobial therapy.
  • To highlight factors influencing treatment decisions and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on intra-abdominal infections.
  • Analysis of causative pathogens and their susceptibility patterns.
  • Discussion of treatment paradigms for community-acquired versus hospital-acquired IAIs.

Main Results:

  • Most IAIs stem from the GI tract and involve enteric bacteria.
  • Management typically requires source control and targeted antimicrobial therapy.
  • Treatment is individualized, with spectrum of agents adjusted for community- vs. hospital-acquired infections.

Conclusions:

  • Intra-abdominal infections necessitate prompt and appropriate management.
  • Source control and tailored antimicrobial therapy are crucial for successful outcomes.
  • Higher-risk patients with compromised defenses face increased morbidity and mortality.

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