The bacteriology of intra-abdominal abscesses in Nigerian children

The bacteriology of intra-abdominal abscess in 30 Nigerian children showed anaerobic bacteria constituted 52 per cent of total microflora with Bacteroides fragilis and anaerobic streptococci (19 per cent each) being predominant. E. coli and S. aureus were the predominant facultative bacteria isolated occurring in 24 and 11 per cent, respectively. The incidence of abscess was higher in males than in females and these predominant bacteria were relatively resistant to penicillins, suggesting caution in the use of penicillins in the treatment of intra-abdominal infections.