An evaluation of metronidazole in the prophylaxis and treatment of anaerobic infections in surgical patients

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Abstract
The frequency of postoperative non-clostridial anaerobic infection and vaginal carriage-rates of non-clostridial anaerobes were studied in 202 gynaecological patients; 100 of these patients received prophylactic metronidazole and the vaginal- carriage rate was reduced from 49 to 6% over the operation period. In contrast, the vaginal-carriage rate in 102 control patients rose from 44 to 66% over the same period. Anaerobic infections developed in 19 of 102 control patients but in only I of 100 metronidazole-treated patients. Of 50 patients who had only a vaginal repair, only one (a control patient) developed an anaerobic infection. Nine patients with pelvic infections caused by non-clostridial anaerobes were successfully treated with oral metronidazole. Metronidazole suppositories have been used successfully in patients who cannot take oral drugs.

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