Anaerobic Infections, Bacteremia & Endocarditis

Anaerobic bacteremia usually originates from the

• Gastrointestinal tract

• Oropharynx

• Pressure injuries

• Female genital tract

Endocarditis resulting from anaerobic and microaerophilic streptococci and bacteroides (rare) originates from the same sites

Related to site of original and metastatic infection

Culture of blood and affected tissues

Most cases of anaerobic or microaerophilic streptococcal endocarditis can be effectively treated with 12–20 million units of penicillin G intravenously daily for 4–6 weeks

However, optimal therapy for other types of anaerobic bacterial endocarditis must rely on laboratory guidance

Metronidazole, 500 mg every 8 hours intravenously, should be used if Bacteroides species is identified