Management of infection following intra-abdominal trauma.

Intra-abdominal infections following abdominal trauma often involve the gastrointestinal aerobic and anaerobic bacterial flora. These organisms possess various virulence factors and exhibit potential synergy between them. The intra-abdominal infection is biphasic, with the Enterobacteriaceae as the major pathogens in the peritonitis stage, and the Bacteroides fragilis group predominant in the abscess stage. Experiments with animals and experience in human beings support the need to use single or combined antimicrobial agent therapy that is effective against both Enterobacteriaceae and the B fragilis group.