Aerobic and anaerobic microbiology of wound infection following spinal fusion in children.
OBJECTIVE
To study the aerobic and anaerobic microbiology of wound infections following spinal fusion in children.


METHODS
Retrospective review of clinical and microbiological records.


RESULTS
Aspirates of pus from 18 infection sites showed bacterial growth. Anaerobic bacteria only were recovered in 3 (17%) specimens, aerobic bacteria only in 3 (17%) and mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in 12 (67%). Forty-two isolates were recovered: 18 anaerobes (1.0 isolates per specimen) and 24 aerobes (1.3 per specimen). The predominant anaerobes were Bacteroides sp. (9 isolates, including 8 Bacteroides fragilis group) and 5 Peptostreptococcus sp. The predominant aerobes were Escherichia coli (6) and Proteus sp. (5). An increase in recovery of E. coli and B. fragilis was noted in children with bowel or bladder incontinence.


CONCLUSIONS
This study highlights the polymicrobial nature and predominance of anaerobic bacteria in wound infections following spinal fusion in children.
Brook
I
I
Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA.
Frazier
E H
EH
D000293:Adolescent; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001420:Bacteria, Aerobic; D001421:Bacteria, Anaerobic; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004322:Drainage; D005242:Fecal Incontinence; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013492:Suppuration; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000150:complications; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents