Obligate anaerobic bacteria in pleuropulmonary suppurations.

Anaerobic bacteria are involved in 60%, 80% and 45%, respectively, of lung abscesses, aspiration pneumonias and empyemas. These infections are further ed by a series of elements: poor general condition; local factors such as a spiration syndrome, bronchial obstruction, and tissue necrosis; and high ba cterial inoculum, usually from a gingival or sinus infection. Microorganism s involved are Prevotella, Peptostreptococcus sp, Fusobacterium sp, Porphyr omonas sp, and less frequently Bacteroides fragilis. Polymicrobial infectio ns are frequent. Suggested by radiologic and clinical findings, diagnosis s hould be confirmed by rigourous sampling and bacteriological methods. The f irst signs of a pleuropulmonary suppuration may mimic a community-acquired pneumonia. However; the initiating role of anaerobic bacteria in this condi tion remains controversial. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales El sevier SAS.