Pneumonia Due To Anaerobic Infection
Description Diagnostic criteria Medicine treatment DESCRIPTION Often seen in comatosed patients with aspiration syndromes or children who inhaled a foreign body that has been misdiagnosed for a period of time. DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA Putrid odour from mouth and foul smelling sputum. Investigations Sputum and blood culture using anaerobic media. MEDICINE TREATMENT Empiric antibiotic therap
Description
Diagnostic criteria
Medicine treatment
DESCRIPTION
Often seen in comatosed patients with aspiration syndromes or children who inhaled a foreign body that has been misdiagnosed for a period of time.
DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA
- Putrid odour from mouth and foul smelling sputum.
Investigations
- Sputum and blood culture using anaerobic media.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
Empiric antibiotic therapy for at least 7 days.
- Amoxicillin/clavulanate, IV, 25 mg/kg/dose of amoxicillin component 8 hourly (do not exceed 10 mg/kg/day of clavulanate component).
Change antibiotics according to culture and sensitivity results. Watch for complications. Some patients may require longer antibiotic duration.
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Paediatrics, 2023 Edition
Chapter 15: Respiratory System, 15.1 Cough With Predominant Fever And Tachypnoea 15.1.1 Pneumonia, 15.1.1.2 Pneumonia Due To Anaerobic Infection