Metronidazole and anaerobic sepsis.

Fifty patients with anaerobic sepsis were treated with intravenous and oral metronidazole. In 26 cases this was combined with other antimicrobial agents. Highly satisfactory clinical results were obtained in most patients, though in many surgical drainage was also essential. No side effects or thrombophlebitis were seen. Mixed growths of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria were isolated from all except five patients, who produced only anaerobes. Metronidazole is the only available antimicrobial agent providing selective activity against anaerobic organisms. It is effective and safe and is usually the drug of choice for treating severe anaerobic sepsis.