infectious diseases
Mixed Anaerobic Infections
Key Points
Mixed anaerobic infections occur when the normal commensal relationship among the normal flora of mucosal surfaces (eg, skin, mouth, gastrointestinal tract, vagina) is disrupted (eg, by surgery, injury, ischemia, or tissue necrosis). Infections tend to occur as localized collections of pus or abscesses. Base clinical suspicion on the clinical setting and the presence of gangrene, pus, abscess, tissue gas, and/or feculent odor. Drain and debride the infected area, and give antibiotics selected based on the infection location (and thus likely organisms). 