Bacteriology of anal fistulae.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate by bacteriological analysis the possible relationship between the chronicity of perianal fistulae and the presence of probable permanent infection of the fistulae.


METHODS
The study included 27 patients, 21 men and 6 women who had undergone surgery for chronic perianal fistulae type II (according to the Parks classification). A total of 27 samples of their fistulous tracts were sent to the microbiology department for the identification of germs. All samples were taken from the theatre and delivered to the laboratory in the same manner. They were then processed under de same conditions in terms of dilutions, inoculation and culture mediums used for the identification of germs in the tracks of the fistulae.


RESULTS
A total of 45 were isolated from 21 different species of microorganisms. Most samples (78.26%) had polymicrobic growth. The predominant species were: Escherichia coli (45.45%), Bacteroides fragilis (16.66%), Staphylococcus aureus (12.12%) and Streptococcus viridans (12.12%). No Mycobacteria were found in any specimen.


CONCLUSIONS
Anal fistulae can be colonized by poli- or mononormal intestinal or skin microbacterial flora or a combination of both. This report suggests that neither the type or the number of germs its related to the chronicity of cryptoglandular anal fistulae.
de San Ildefonso Pereira
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A
Digestive Service, Coloproctology Unit, Microbiology Service, Hospital do Meixoeiro, Vigo, Spain. sanilde@yahoo.com
Maruri Chimeno
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I
Facal Alvarez
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C
Torres
J
J
Casal
J E
JE
D001003:Anal Canal; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000382:microbiology*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000382:microbiology