Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections: Principles of Antimicrobial Therapy

Abstract

Antimicrobial therapy plays a crucial role in the management of complicated intra-abdominal infections. A correct approach for treating intra-abdominal infections always involves a delicate balance between the optimization of empirical therapy, which has been shown to improve clinical outcomes, and the reduction of excessive antimicrobial use. In particular, the indiscriminate use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials has been proven to increase the rate of emergence of anti-microbial resistant strains. The choice of antimicrobial therapy depends on the severity and type of intra-abdominal infections (e.g., community-acquired or hospital-acquired) as well as on the local resistance profiles. Adequate antimicrobial therapy, step-down to oral treatment, and prompt source control remain the mainstay for the management of complicated intra-abdominal infections.