Microbiological evaluation and antimicrobial treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections

Abstract

Intra-abdominal infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The principles of management of intra-abdominal infections include adequate surgical procedures, as well as antimicrobial therapy. This review provides insights into the microbiology of complicated intra-abdominal infections and offers an approach to the microbiological evaluation, as well as antimicrobial treatment strategies, in the South African context. Local antibiotic guidelines for the management of intra-abdominal infections are urgently required to optimise clinical outcomes, while limiting the emergence of resistance, toxicity and the selection of pathogenic organisms.