ANAEROBIC INFECTIONS OF THE SOFT-TISSUE AND BONES

Severe soft tissue infections, usually necrotizing, are associated wit h a mortality of 40-60% and with amputations where the bones and joint s are involved, The anaerobic bacteria associated with these infection s are usually present in patients with underlying predisposing conditi ons (diabetes, vascular problems, immunosuppression). They are in the majority polymicrobial, endogenous or exogenous. There are many clinic al and laboratory characteristics to establish the diagnosis of the di fferent forms of these infections. Treatment of necrotizing soft tissu e and bone infections requires early and aggressive surgical debridmen t. Timing of diagnosis and surgery influence essentially the outcome. Colostomy can be helpful in cases of perineal involvement. Antibiotic covering (broad spectrum) is mandatory as well as the systemic support of the patient. (C) 1997 Academic Press.