Electrophoresis boosts knowledge of abdominal infections

Researchers have used quantitative analysis to investigate what causes certain intra-abdominal abscesses.

Knowledge of the etiology behind pyogenic liver and pancreatic abscesses is a critical factor in establishing the best combined surgical and antibiotic treatment, said the scientists in their BMC Gastroenterology report.

They described two cases of intra-abdominal abscesses due to monomicrobial infection. Both subjects were admitted to hospital, where the clonal relationship between them was investigated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.

The researchers said combined usage of new and old antibiotics, as well as radiological intervention, appeared to be "valuable" in managing the condition.

"The emergence and dissemination of multi drug-resistant organisms is posing an increasing challenge for physicians to develop new therapeutic strategies and control and prevention frameworks," they concluded.

Existing literature shows geographical variations in the prevalence and distribution of causative organisms.

The spread of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing bacteria is thought to be an emerging factor behind the cause of intra-abdominal infections.