Microflora of abdominal sepsis by locus of infection

Specimens from 152 abdominal infections were examined to determine which groups of endogenous bacteria participate in infection emanating from different sites in the gastrointestinal tract. A notable finding was the predominance of anaerobic microflora from infections of ischemic versus perforated small bowel. Empiric antibiotic treatment for ischemic bowel should include focused coverage for anaerobes.