Microbiological Evaluation and Antimicrobial Treatment of Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections

Intra-abdominal infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The principles of management of intra-abdominal infections include adequate surgical procedures; as well as antimicrobial therapy. This review provides insights into the microbiology of complicated intra-abdominal infections and offers an approach to the microbiological evaluation; as well as antimicrobial treatment strategies; in the South African context. Local antibiotic guidelines for the management of intra-abdominal infections are urgently required to optimise clinical outcomes; while limiting the emergence of resistance; toxicity and the selection of pathogenic organisms