title: Bacteriology of snakebite abscess.
abstract: Thirty-eight cases of abscess secondary to pit viper envenomation are reviewed. The incidence of abscess formation was 9%. Results of aerobic cultures revealed growth of enteric, coliform organisms in 22 of 25 isolates obtained from previously unopened abscesses. Clinical evidence for co-existent anaerobic infection is presented. No cases of tetanus were encountered. Clinical and laboratory findings of patients in the study are correlated with a review of bacteriologic investigations of the oral flora of venomous snakes. Use of antibiotics effective against aerobic coliforms and histotoxic anaerobic organisms for prophylaxis and/or treatment of infectious complications of pit viper envenomation are recommended.
authors.affiliation: Hospital Vozandes Oriente Shell, Pastaza, Ecuador.
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Kerrigan
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents