Best Antibiotics

Metronidazole (classically below diaphragm OR intracranial)
-really is good for all anaerobes
Clindamycin (classically above diaphragm)
PCN+Beta-Lactamase Inhibitors

Species

Many species including:
Gram-positive
Clostridium
Peptostreptococcus
Gram-negative
Bacteroides (most common gi bug)
Prevotella
Fusobacterium

Typical Infections

  • Intra-abdominal infections
  • Abscesses at various sites
  • Female genital tract infections
  • Lung abscess/necrotizing pneumonia
  • Deep-seated head & neck infections
  • Soft tissue (especially w/ vascular compromise)
  • Others (eg, Osteomyelitis, bacteremia)

Characteristics of Anaerobic Infections
Suppurative (forms pus)
Abscess formation
Tissue destruction
Mixed infections
Odor producing