ABSTRACT
The aetiology of appendicular abscess is predominantly microbial with aerobic and anaerobic bacteria from gut flora. In this study, by using specific laboratory tools, we co-detected Methanobrevibacter oralis and Methanobrevibacter smithii among a mixture of enterobacteria including Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus avium in four unrelated cases of postoperative appendiceal abscesses. These unprecedented observations raise a question on the role of methanogens in peri-appendicular abscesses, supporting antibiotics as an alternative therapeutic option for appendicitis, including antibiotics active against methanogens such as metronidazole or fusidic acid.
Subject(s)
Abscess/diagnosis , Abscess/microbiology , Appendicitis/complications , Methanobrevibacter/classification , Abscess/drug therapy , Adolescent , Adult , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Appendicitis/diagnosis , Appendicitis/drug therapy , Blood Culture , Disease Management , Disease Susceptibility , Female , Humans , Male , Methanobrevibacter/genetics , Methanobrevibacter/isolation & purification , Methanobrevibacter/ultrastructure , Middle Aged , Molecular Typing , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Young AdultABSTRACT
Untreated tonsillar phlegmon is a life-threatening condition commonly caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and Fusobacterium necrophorum, among other pathogens. Here, using specific laboratory tools, we detected Methanobrevibacter smithii in addition to S. pyogenes. This unprecedented observation questions the role of methanogens in phlegmon and the optimal treatment of this mixed infection.
