Microbial flora in carcinoma of oesophagus

The microbial flora associated with carcinoma of the oesophagus was studied in 12 patients. Oesophageal mucosa was biopsied at thoracotomy and cultured under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. A heavy mixed growth of aerobic and anaerobic organisms was obtained in all patients. One-third of isolates were anaerobic. The flora was of oral origin. The most appropriate antibiotic combination in this study was ampicillin or penicillin with gentamicin and metronidazole.