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Anaerobic pulmonary infections
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. Supplement
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Aspiration of oral or gastric contents causes anaerobic pulmonary infections. Proper specimen collection and examination are crucial for diagnosing these indolent lung infections, though they are uncommon in this region.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Anaerobic pulmonary infections stem from aspirating oral or gastric contents.
- Dental disease, chronic respiratory infections, and reduced consciousness are predisposing factors.
- Commonly implicated organisms include Fusobacterium nucleatum, Bacteroides melaninogenicus, and anaerobic Gram-positive cocci.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and bacteriology of anaerobic pulmonary infections.
- To assess the adequacy of specimen collection and examination for these infections.
- To highlight the importance of aspiration as the primary cause.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of empyema and lung abscess cases (26 empyema, 29 abscesses).
- Analysis of transtracheal aspirates in patients with chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis.
- Bacteriological examination of collected specimens.
Main Results:
- Anaerobes were cultured in 6 of 15 adequately examined empyema specimens and 7 of 11 adequately examined abscess specimens.
- Anaerobes were not found in chronic bronchitis without emphysema (15 patients).
- Anaerobic bacteria were cultured in 3 of 11 bronchiectasis patients.
Conclusions:
- Anaerobic pulmonary infections are infrequent in the studied region.
- Adequate specimen collection and bacteriological examination are essential for diagnosis.
- Aspiration is the key mechanism for lower respiratory tract infections, excluding metastatic types.