Infectious diseases - intra-abdominal infections

Question 1

Common causes of intra-abdominal infections

Answer 1

Anaerobes (e.g. bacteroides and clostridium)
E. coli
Klebsiella
Enterococcus
Streptococcus

Question 2

Treatment of intra-abdominal infections

Answer 2

When treating intra abdominal infections a broad spectrum of antibiotic cover is required unless culture results are available.

This is to cover gram positive, gram negative and anaerobic bacteria.

Question 3

Common regimes for intra abdominal infections

Answer 3

Co-amoxiclav alone

Amoxicillin plus gentamicin plus metronidazole

Ciprofloxacin plus metronidazole (penicillin allergy)

Question 4

What is used to treat SBP?

Answer 4

Piperacillin/Tazobactam (Tazocin) is often first line

Cephalosporins e.g. cefotaxime can also be used

Levofloxacin plus metronidazole is an common alternative in penicillin allergy