Prevent Abscess Formation Research Articles

Omentoplasty versus cecal mobilization after abdominoperineal resection: A propensity score matching analysis.

Despite the minimally invasive approach and early rehabilitation, abdominal-perineal resection (APR) remains a procedure with high morbidity, notably due to postoperative trapped bowel ileus and perineal healing complications. Several surgical techniques have been described for filling the pelvic void to prevent abscess formation and ileus by trapped bowel loop. The aim of our study was to compare the post APR complications for cancer of two of these techniques, omentoplasty and cecal mobilization, in a single-center study from an expert colorectal surgery center. From 2012 to 2022, 84 patients were included, including 58 (69%) with omentoplasty and 26 (31%) with cecal mobilization. They all underwent APR at Bordeaux University Hospital Center. A propensity score was used to avoid confounding factors as far as possible. Patient and procedure characteristics were initially comparable. The 30-day complication rate was significantly higher in the cecal mobilization group (53.8% vs. 5.2% p < 0.01), as was the rate of pelvic abscess (34.6% vs. 0% p < 0.001). These findings suggest that, when feasible, omentoplasty should be considered the preferred method for pelvic reconstruction following APR.

Rodent Gut Bacteria Coexisting with an Insect Gut Virus in Tapeworm Parasitic Cysts: Metagenomic Evidence of Microbial Selection in Extra-Intestinal Clinical Niches.

In medicine, parasitic cysts (e.g., brain cysticerci) are believed to be sterile, and are primarily treated with antiparasitic medications, not antibiotics, which could prevent abscess formation and localized inflammation. This study quantified the microbial composition of parasitic cysts in a wild rodent, using multi-kingdom metagenomics to comprehensively assess if parasitic cysts are sterile, and further understand gut microbial translocation and adaptation in wildlife confined environments, outside the gut. Analysis was conducted on DNA from two hepatic parasitic cysts from a feline tapeworm, Hydatigera (Taenia) taeniaeformis, affecting a wild vole mouse (Microtus pennsylvanicus), and from feces, liver and peritoneal fluid of this and two other concurrent individual wild voles trapped during pest control in one of our university research vegetable gardens. Bacterial metagenomics revealed the presence of gut commensal/opportunistic species, Parabacteroides distasonis, Bacteroides (Bacteroidota); Klebsiella variicola, E. coli (Enterobacteriaceae); Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus acidophilus (Bacillota) inhabiting the cysts, and peritoneal fluid. Remarkably, viral metagenomics revealed various murine viral species, and unexpectedly, a virus from the insect armyworm moth (Pseudaletia/Mythimna unipuncta), known as Mythimna unipuncta granulovirus A (MyunGV-A), in both cysts, and in one fecal and one peritoneal sample from the other non-cyst voles, indicating the survival and adaption potential of the insect virus in voles. Metagenomics also revealed a significantly lower probability of fungal detection in cysts compared to that in peritoneal fluid/feces (p < 0.05), with single taxon detection in each cyst (Malassezia and Pseudophaeomoniella oleicola). The peritoneal fluid had the highest probability for fungi. In conclusion, metagenomics revealed that bacteria/viruses/fungi coexist within parasitic cysts supporting the potential therapeutic benefits of antibiotics in cystic diseases, and in inflammatory microniches of chronic diseases, such as Crohn's disease gut wall cavitating micropathologies, from which we recently isolated similar synergistic pathogenic Bacteroidota and Enterobacteriaceae, and Bacillota.

Bioengineered Ionic Liquid for Catheter-Directed Tissue Ablation, Drug Delivery, and Embolization.

Delivery of therapeutics to solid tumors with high bioavailability remains a challenge and is likely the main contributor to the ineffectiveness of immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Here, a catheter-directed ionic liquid embolic (ILE) is bioengineered to achieve durable vascular embolization, uniform tissue ablation, and drug delivery in non-survival and survival porcine models of embolization, outperforming the clinically used embolic agents. To simulate the clinical scenario, rabbit VX2 orthotopic liver tumors are treated showing successful trans-arterial delivery of Nivolumab and effective tumor ablation. Furthermore, similar results are also observed in human ex vivo tumor tissue as well as significant susceptibility of highly resistant patient-derived bacteria is seen to ILE, suggesting that ILE can prevent abscess formation in embolized tissue. ILE represents a new class of liquid embolic agents that can treat tumors, improve the delivery of therapeutics, prevent infectious complications, and potentially increase chemo- and immunotherapy response in solid tumors.

Management of Serious Adverse Events Following Deoxycholic Acid Injection for Submental and Jowl Fat Reduction: A Systematic Review and Management Recommendations.

Abstract Pivotal Phase 3 randomized control trials have demonstrated a favorable safety profile for ATX-101 in submental fat (SMF) reduction; however, in real-world settings, several serious adverse events (SAEs) have been reported, most of which are procedure related and avoidable. Current understanding of the management of uncommon AEs and SAEs is based on the aesthetic surgeon's discretion, and overzealous protocols for sclerosis agents are being applied for ATX-101-induced arterial injury. This review focuses on showcasing the management of SAEs reported previously and updating it with personal clinical experiences with ATX-101 for SMF and jowl fat reduction. Along with adherence to the standard procedures for ATX-101 administration, the authors recommend investigating other potential causes of SMF accumulation and jowling mechanism, appropriate demarcation of the surface area to determine the number of vials, and assessment of the fat pad thickness to determine the number of required treatment cycles for optimal therapeutic outcomes. Surgery is preferable for jowling caused by compartment displacement (ptosis), whereas fat-reducing treatments such as ATX-101 are contraindicated for jowling caused by subcutaneous tissue atrophy. Some proactive measures that can be employed to prevent AEs include avoiding intradermal injections to prevent skin ulceration/necrosis, injecting lidocaine to check for smile asymmetry as an indication of marginal mandibular nerve proximity, administering 1 to 2 mm deeper injections in males to prevent alopecia, employing good aseptic techniques to prevent abscess formation, injecting 1 product at a time using correctly labeled syringes, and confirming the diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum before treating it as an infection. Level of Evidence: 3

Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) for acute esophageal perforation: Could it replace surgery?

Background and study aims Acute esophageal perforation is a potentially life-threating condition that demands a multidisciplinary approach. Based on recently published data indicating that EVT may be effective in managing esophageal perforation, we report our institution’s experience with EVT in this clinical setting. Patients and methods We retrospectively analyzed all 10 patients with acute esophageal perforation from May 2018 to January 2021, using descriptive statistics. The primary outcome was successful closure of the perforation. Secondary outcomes included the length of treatment, number of endoscopic procedures required, and complication rate. Results All patients (site of perforation: 4 upper, 2 middle, 4 lower esophagus; etiology: 8 iatrogenic, 2 foreign body ingestion) were treated with EVT successfully. In eight cases, EVT was started immediately after the perforation, in the other two cases 1 and 2 days later. The median (interquartile range) number of endoscopic procedures was 2.5 (range, 2–3) and the median duration of treatment was 7.5 days (range, 7–11.5). The sponge was placed in eight cases intraluminally, in the other two cases initially intracavitary. No complication occurred. Conclusions EVT is highly effective for managing acute esophageal perforation within 1 to 3 weeks. Immediate start of EVT to prevent abscess formation and induce defect closure is crucial.

Severe Parametritis after Vaginal Delivery with Delayed Response to Broad Spectrum Antibiotics: A Case Report

Background: Postpartum infections, also known as puerperal fever, are bacterial infections of the female reproductive tract following childbirth or miscarriage. Symptoms usually include a fever greater than 38.0°C (100.4°F), chills, lower abdominal pain, and possibly bad-smelling vaginal discharge. It usually occurs after the first 24 hours and within the first ten days following delivery, but life-threatening infection may occur within hours of delivery. Cases Report: We reported a case of severe parametritis in the first 24 hours of delivery. Cesarean section is a risk factor for postpartum infections, and response to treatment is lower than vaginal delivery. Our case was a severe pelvic infection after vaginal delivery, and its risk factor was prolonged rupture of the membrane. Therefore, rapid diagnosis and treatment are necessary to prevent abscess formation and sepsis. Conclusion: In this case, rapid treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics prevented abscess formation, sepsis, and hysterectomy.

Abdominal Drainage in Complicated Appendicectomy - Resources Down the Drain?

There is currently no clear consensus on the use of drains during an appendicectomy to prevent abscess formation. Our aim was to ascertain whether the use of drains in complicated appendicitis reduces post-operative complications and length of stay. We performed a retrospective review of patients with complicated appendicitis undergoing appendicectomy from March-November 2018. Complicated appendicectomy (perforated or gangrenous appendicitis) patients were divided into two groups; with drain Group 1 (G1) and no drain Group 2 (G2). Groups were compared for post-operative complications and length of stay. Out of a total 76 patients, 26 (34%) had drain (G1) and 50 (66%) had no drain (G2). The pre-operative CRP in G1 vs. G2 (124.8 vs. 48.3, p= 0.02); post-operative complication 9 (34.6%) vs. 6 (12%), p=0.019); intra-abdominal abscess 5 (19.2%) vs. 3 (6%), p=0.07 and LOS 5.5 days vs. 3 days, p=0.0001 were significantly higher in patients with a drain. The use of an intra-operative drain in complicated appendicitis increases the risk of a post-operative complication and increases length of stay.

Management of a Lost Stone During Laparoscopic Ureterolithotomy: Video Article

IntroductionLaparoscopic ureterolithotomy (LU) is a viable option for large ureteral stones (1, 2). The lost stone during laparoscopy is a rare event and most reports are in gallstone surgeries. Most experts recommended that the lost gallstone should be extracted from the abdominal cavity to prevent abscess formation but in laparoscopic ureterolithotomy with lost stone the optimal management is controversial (3-5). We report our experience with a lost ureteral stone during laparoscopy and the technique that was successful to find it.Case presentationThe patient was a 28-year-old man, presented with a 22 millimetres stone in the proximal part of the left ureter. The spiral computed tomography scan revealed severe hydronephrosis. The patient was positioned in the left flank and camera port inserted in the lateral border of rectus muscle then two 5 mm working ports inserted in the left upper quadrant and left lower quadrant, respectively. The ureterolithotomy process was performed uneventfully with Double-J stent insertion, but during the extraction of stone from 10 mm port, the stone was lost in abdominal space due to rupture of our endobag (which was a finger of a surgical glove). We extract the lost stone with stepwise searching of the dependent part of the abdominal cavity and found the stone in the dependent part of the right lower quadrant. The operative time was 165 minutes. The patient had no complication in the Post-operative course, the Foley catheter was removed on post-operative day 2 and the drain was removed on post-operative day 3. The patient was discharged home at post-operation day 4 and stent removed four weeks later.ConclusionsWe believe that any effort should be performed to extract lost stone in laparoscopic ureterolithotomy cases due to the potential risk of abscess formation and the probability of misleading imaging in the future follow-up of patients.

Identifying Outcomes in Clinical Trials of Fistulizing Crohn’s Disease for the Development of a Core Outcome Set

Fistulizing complications develop in approximately one third of patients with Crohn's disease (CD), resulting in morbidity and impaired quality of life.1 Sites of fistulae most commonly include perianal fistulae, but also enterocutaneous, enteroenteric, enterovesical, and rectovaginal. Its management requires combined medical and surgical strategies to prevent abscess formation and induce healing. Biologic agents have improved the medical treatment of CD-related fistulae, but many patients still require surgical intervention. Hence, there is considerable interest in the development of novel pharmaceutical agents to treat fistulizing CD.

Misdiagnosed Appendicitis in Children

Background: Appendicitis is the one of the most common emergency abdominal operation in children. It is estimated that appendicitis is diagnosed in about 2 % of children who present to emergency department because of acute abdominal pain1. Timely diagnosis and appendectomy can prevent abscess formation, perforation as well as reducing early and late postoperative complication.Methods: This study is a retrospective review of all children diagnosed with acute appendicitis in our emergency department between January 2015 – 2018. We have compared the clinical features and the results of examinations between two group of patients - those who were diagnosed correctly and have been operated,and those who were misdiagnosed and operated later respectively more than 24 hours after initial control.Results: This study includes fifty-nine children less than sixteen years old, admitted in our clinic and operated due to acute appendicitis. Fifty three (89.9%) of them were hospitalized after the first control, whereas the remining six (10.1 %) were discharged home after the initial control. The misdiagnosed patients were returned in our department less than twenty hours after the first control. Compared with the patients in which the diagnosis was made correctly the misdiagnosed patients in general had lower levels of leukocytes, CRP and temperature.Conclusion: The diagnosis of appendicitis in children can be very difficult because of the atypical features. According to our experience and the data from other studies, still there is not a single test or combination of clinical and laboratory examinations, able to discriminate children with and without acute appendicitis with a high percentage of accuracy.

Absceso paravalvular en la endocarditis bacteriana: influencia en el pronóstico postoperatorio

ObjectiveParavalvular abscess (PAb) increases mortality, complexity and complications associated with infectious endocarditis (IE) surgery. We analysed the impact of PAb in different clinical presentations of IE. MethodsRetrospective, observational study that included all patients undergoing heart surgery because of EI between 2002 and 2015 in one center. Clinical follow-up was performed after discharge. Results169 patients were operated, and there was a PAb present in the 33% of them. Abscess was associated with increased perioperative mortality (30.9% vs. 23.4%)) and permanent pacemaker implantation (15.2% vs. 9.3%).PAb was significantly more frequent in aortic (50.0%) than in mitral (20.3%) surgery, as well as in native (44.4%) versus prosthetic (26.2%) IE.The presence of abscess significantly increased surgical mortality in aortic IE (21,4% vs. 3.6%; P=.043), with no significant differences in mitral IE (25,5% vs. 25%; P=.97). It was also associated with higher but no significantly increased mortality in native endocarditis (29.6% vs. 19.7%), with similar results in prosthetic IE (32,1% vs. 31,4%).After a median follow-up of 51 months after discharge, survival (70.6% with PAb vs. 75.7% without PAb) and re-infection (13.3% vs. 10,2%) were similar among patients with and without PAb. ConclusionThe presence of PAb was associated with poor prognosis in IE, especially in aortic and native valve involvement. When indicated, early surgery could be beneficial in these patients to prevent abscess formation. After discharge patients had a similar long-term prognosis.

Use of Prophylactic Antibiotics to Prevent Abscess Formation Following Hepatic Ablation in Patients with Prior Enterobiliary Manipulation

IntroductionPrior enterobiliary manipulation confers a high risk for liver abscess formation after hepatic ablation. We aimed to determine if prophylactic antibiotics could prevent post-ablation abscess in patients with a history of hepaticojejunostomy. Materials and MethodsThis single-institution retrospective study identified 262 patients who underwent 307 percutaneous liver ablation sessions between January 2010 and August 2014. Twelve (4.6 %) patients with prior hepaticojejunostomy were included in this analysis. Ten (83> %) had received an aggressive prophylactic antibiotic regimen consisting of levofloxacin, metronidazole, neomycin, and erythromycin base. Two (16.6 %) had received other antibiotic regimens. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings were used to identify abscess formation and antibiotic-related side effects. ResultsTwelve ablation sessions were performed during the period studied. During a mean follow-up period of 440 days (range, 77–1784 days), post-ablation abscesses had developed in 2 (16.6 %) patients, who both received the alternative antibiotic regimens. None of the 10 patients who received the aggressive prophylactic antibiotic regimen developed liver abscess. One of the 10 patients who received the aggressive prophylactic antibiotic regimen developed grade 2 antibiotic-related diarrhea and arthralgia. ConclusionAn aggressive regimen of prophylactic antibiotics may be effective in preventing liver abscess formation after liver ablation in patients with prior hepaticojejunostomy.

Acute Focal Bacterial Nephritis Secondary to Vesicoureteric Reflux in a Young Boy

Introduction: Acute focal bacterial nephritis (AFBN), previously called acute lobar nephronia, is a rare form of interstitial bacterial nephritis in children. The majority of patients with AFBN have an underlying urinary tract abnormality. Timely initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy can prevent abscess formation and help avoid the need for invasive surgical procedures. Case Presentation: Here we describe a case of a 4-year-old boy admitted for a febrile urinary tract infection (UTI). Radiological investigations led to a diagnosis of AFBN. He was later found to also have a pre-existing malformative uropathy. Conclusions: Timely detection and appropriate antibiotic therapy of AFBN are essential to prevent renal abscess formation. A possible diagnosis of AFBN needs to be considered in all patients being treated for febrile UTI. Detection and surgical correction of the underlying malformation are necessary to prevent further recurrences.

Risk Factors Associated With Abscess Formation in Children 5 Years of Age and Younger.

From 1997 to 2009, hospitalization rates have doubled for pediatric patients with soft tissue abscesses requiring incision and drainage. Despite this increasing national burden, few studies have been conducted to identify the risk factors associated with abscess formation. Our study evaluates a collection of physiological and lifestyle parameters that may serve as risk factors for abscess formation among pediatric patients 5 years of age or younger. Our results indicate family history and age 2 years and younger are associated with higher risk of abscess formation. Furthermore, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus were prevalent pathogens associated with abscess in our study group. Pediatricians may employ these novel parameters to educate parents and/or guardians of high-risk groups on preventing abscess formation to alleviate the burden of incision & dragining requiring abscess on health care costs.

Do Postoperative Antibiotics Prevent Abscess Formation in Complicated Appendicitis?

Recent studies have shown that postoperative antibiotics in nonperforated appendicitis do not reduce infectious complications; however, there is no consensus on patients with complicated appendicitis. The aim of this study is to determine whether postoperative antibiotic administration in complicated appendicitis prevents intra-abdominal abscess formation. We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing appendectomy from 2007 to 2012 at our institution. Patients with complicated appendicitis (perforated, gangrenous, or periappendiceal abscess) were identified and data collected including details of postoperative antibiotic administration and rates of postoperative abscess development. Of 444 charts reviewed, 52 patients were included. Forty-four patients received greater than 24 hours and eight patients received 24 hours or less of postoperative antibiotics. In those receiving greater than 24 hours of antibiotics, nine of 44 (20.5%) developed a postoperative abscess, and in those receiving 24 hours or less of antibiotics, two of eight (25.0%) developed a postoperative abscess (P = 1.0000). There is no significant difference in postoperative abscess development among those with complicated appendicitis who received greater than 24 hours of postoperative antibiotics compared with those who did not. Postoperative antibiotics may not provide an appreciable clinical benefit for preventing intra-abdominal abscesses; however, larger sample sizes and prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of varicella vaccine as post-exposure prophylaxis in Hong Kong

The varicella vaccine is an effective post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for chickenpox. This study aimed to analyze the cost-effectiveness of PEP using varicella vaccine for pediatric patients from the perspective of the public healthcare provider in Hong Kong. A decision tree was designed to compare cost and clinical outcomes of PEP with varicella vaccine versus no PEP in pediatric patients (aged 1-18 y) susceptible to chickenpox with household exposure. Two tiers of outcome were simulated: (1) total direct medical cost per subject exposed, and (2) the quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) loss associated with chickenpox per subject exposed. Model inputs were retrieved from local epidemiology and the medical literature. A sensitivity analysis was performed on all parameters to test the robustness of model results. The base-case analysis showed PEP with varicella vaccine to be less costly (expected cost USD 320 vs USD 731) with lower QALY loss (0.00423 QALY vs 0.01122 QALY) when compared to no PEP. The sensitivity analysis showed that PEP with varicella vaccine was less costly if PEP effectiveness was > 6.2% or the chickenpox infection rate without PEP was > 8.6%. In 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations, PEP with vaccine was cost-effective over 99% of the time, with a mean cost saving of USD 611 per patient (95% confidence interval USD 602-620; p < 0.001) and lower mean QALY loss of 0.00809 QALY (95% confidence interval 0.00802-0.00816 QALY; p < 0.001). Using varicella vaccine as PEP appears to be a cost-saving strategy to avert QALY loss in susceptible pediatric patients exposed to chickenpox in Hong Kong.

An Unusual Case of Bile Duct Obstruction: Hydatid Daughter Cyst

Case Report: A 57-year-old sheep farmer from Uruguay presented with severe intermittent rightsided abdominal pain for 1 week not associated with fever, jaundice, or pruritus. Imaging revealed a 9.3 x 8.0 x 10.6 cm thick-walled septated cystic mass with calcifications in the right lobe of the liver. It consisted of a 1.2 x 0.6 cm septated cystic component anteriorly and a 1.9 x 0.9 cm septated cystic component posteriorly. The extrahepatic biliary duct was dilated at 1.2 cm. Evaluation showed elevated liver chemistries: total bilirubin 1.3 mg/dL, AST 412 U/L, ALT 360 U/L, and alkaline phosphatase 249 U/L. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) revealed a filling defect of the common bile duct (CBD). The biliary tree did not communicate with the septated cyst. A sphincterotomy was performed and a daughter cyst was extracted using a balloon catheter. Subsequently, Echinococcus Ab was positive. The patient was discharged on albendazole prior to surgical management. Discussion: Hepatic hydatid cysts are usually asymptomatic. Symptoms occur due to the size of the cyst causing pressure on the liver parenchyma or from possible intrabiliary rupture. Intrabiliary rupture can occur occultly when the cystic fluid only drains into the biliary tree or as a frank rupture with intracystic material and/or daughter cysts draining into the biliary tract. ERC performed preoperatively in a patient with hydatid cyst with or without biliary dilation may avoid an unnecessary CBD exploration. It can be used for definition of biliary anatomy providing a roadmap of cystobiliary fistulas prior to cystectomy. Additionally, daughter cysts may be extracted from the biliary tract, relieving obstruction and/or cholangitis. Lastly, ERC can prevent abscess formation from the colonization of a ruptured cavity by intra-abdominal pathogens entering through the external cystobiliary fistula.Figure: Extracted daughter cyst wall.Conclusion: Although hepatic hydatid cysts are rarely encountered in the developed world, when suspected, ERC should be performed to relieve obstruction and to avoid CBD exploration. This may decrease morbidity post-operatively from external fistulas and abscess formation.

Multipele spontane odontogene abcessen bij familiaire hypofosfatemische rachitis

Symptoms of familial hypophosphatemic rickets are growth retardation, the formation of O- or X-legs, pain of the joints, spontaneous dental abscesses, and delayed tooth eruption. The dental symptoms are predominantly attributable to the demineralization of dentin. In absence of adequate preventive measurements,familial hypophosphatemic rickets may lead to spontaneous pulpal necrosis. The prophylactic application of occlusal sealants might be effective in preventing abscess formation.

The effects of irrigation on outcomes in cases of perforated appendicitis in children

IntroductionAppendicitis is the most common indication for urgent abdominal operation in children. Approximately 20%–30% of patients will have a perforation at operation. Intra-abdominal abscess after appendectomy is reported in 3%–20% of patients and adds significantly to hospital stay with increased morbidity and overall cost. Surgical dogma has long advocated for irrigation in the setting of gross pus to prevent abscess formation. MethodsFollowing IRB approval, data were retrospectively collected for children who had undergone appendectomy for perforated appendicitis at one of two children's hospitals over the course of 5 y. Perforation was determined by review of operative notes. All patients had free fluid in their peritoneal cavity evacuated by suction, whereas some of the patients also had their peritoneal cavity irrigated with normal saline. Postoperative intra-abdominal abscess rates were determined based on clinical symptoms and confirmatory radiologic studies. ResultsThere were 99 patients in the suction-only group and 139 in the irrigation group. Standard demographics were relatively similar between the two groups. There were significantly lower rates of intra-abdominal abscess formation (4.0% versus 17.2%, P = 0.002) and wound infection (1.0% versus 8.6%, P = 0.003) in the suction-only group compared with the irrigation group. We further analyzed abscess rates by surgical treatment, either laparoscopic or open appendectomy. There were 85 patients in the laparoscopic group and 152 patients in the open appendectomy group. In this subgroup analysis, there were also significantly lower rates of abscess formation in patients treated with suction only compared with irrigation in the laparoscopic (3.5% versus 18.8%, P = 0.012) and open appendectomy groups (4.2% versus 16.3%, P = 0.036). ConclusionsResults of this retrospective review indicate that a suction-only approach significantly decreased rates of abscess formation and wound infections compared to irrigation in cases of perforated appendicitis in children.

Efficacy of an autogenous vaccine against highly virulent &lt;i&gt;Staphylococcus aureus &lt;/i&gt;infection in rabbits

The efficacy of an autogenous vaccine consisting of a whole cell suspension of formalin killed bacteria in sterile buffered saline against Staphylococcus aureus infections was determined, using a well-established rabbit skin infection model. Thirteen eight-week-old rabbits were vaccinated twice subcutaneously with a two-week interval while ten rabbits were injected twice with sterile buffered saline. Two weeks after the last injection, ten vaccinated and all PBS-injected rabbits were inoculated intradermally with 10 8 cfu of a S. aureus strain which had been shown to be highly virulent for rabbits. Three vaccinated animals served as negative controls and were intradermally injected with sterile buffered saline. All rabbits were examined daily for the development of skin lesions until fourteen days after the experimental infection when all rabbits were euthanised. All animals experimentally infected with S. aureus developed skin abscesses within 24 hours post-inoculation, but in the vaccinated group the maximum abscess diameter was significantly lower than in the non-vaccinated group (P=0.048). The difference between the autovaccinated and non-vaccinated group increased over time (P<0.001). These results indicate that vaccination with an inactivated whole cell bacterin may be useful for control of staphylococcosis in rabbits but does not prevent abscess formation in animals inoculated with a high dose of a highly virulent S. aureus strain.