Anaerobic Infections, Bacteremia & Endocarditis

KEY FEATURES

• 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

CLINICAL FINDINGS

• Related to site of original and metastatic infection

DIAGNOSIS

• Culture of blood and affected tissues

TREATMENT

• Cases of endocarditis due to microaerophilic or anaerobic streptococcal may be effectively treated with 12–18 million units of penicillin G intravenously daily for 4–6 weeks

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