Gram-negative bacterial toe web infection: successful treatment with a new third generation cephalosporin.

Fifteen patients with gram-negative bacterial toe web infections were treated for 1 week with intramuscular cefoperazone, a broad-spectrum third generation cephalosporin. Initial bacterial cultures in eleven patients (73%) grew more than one gram-negative organism. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequent isolate. All bacteria isolated were sensitive to cefoperazone (Cefobid). Swelling, redness, and flow of exudate resolved within 1 week of antibiotic administration. By day 7 there was no evidence of inflammation, and denuded areas had begun to re-epithelialize. Side effects were mild and did not require cessation of therapy. This antibiotic causes rapid resolution of a disease which previously required prolonged hospitalizations.