[Transitory bacteremia in rectoscopy].

A prospective study was undertaken to determine the frequency of transient bacteremia on recto-sigmoidoscopy. Blood specimens were drawn for aerobic and anaerobic bacterial culture immediately before, and 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 min after the beginning of recto-sigmoidoscopy. 19 blood cultures were supposed to be contaminated. In 3 patients (6%) a positive blood culture was found with the following types of organisms: enterococci, Escherichia coli and nonhemolytic streptococci. The need for antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with valvular heart diseases or prosthetic valves is discussed. In such cases the authors propose prophylaxis with 1 g streptomycin i.m. and 3 g ampicillin by mouth 30 min before recto-sigmoidoscopy.