Bacteriology

Abstract

Bacterial infection has been recognized as a sometimes serious complication of decubitus ulcers since the nineteenth century. Only in recent years, however, has the spectrum of potential invaders been fully appreciated. The role played by Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and the coliform bacilli was stressed in the past, while the importance of anaerobes in sepsis was over-looked, largely because investigators failed to utilize the special technics necessary to isolate these fastidious organisms. Recognition of the presence of anaerobic bacteria in decubitus infections is of the utmost importance. Invasion by these organisms often results in a bacteremia with a high mortality rate. Prompt surgical debridement and the careful selection of appropriate antibiotics is essential if a fatal outcome is to be avoided.