Susceptibility testing of anaerobes--fact, fancy, and wishful thinking

Some of the problems encountered in anaerobic bacteriology and anaerobic susceptibility testing are reviewed. These include the lack of identification of Bacteroides fragilis group species, standardization of test media, methodology, and clinically relevant minimum inhibitory concentration breakpoints. Methodologic variations may lead to marked differences in the degree of activity reported, especially for newer antimicrobial agents. Studies on the correlation of clinical efficacy and in vitro susceptibility data performed by the various techniques are needed.