Bacterial flora of appendicitis in children.

Aerobic and anaerobic cultures were taken immediately upon operative entry to the peritoneal cavity of 114 consecutive children undergoing appendectomy. Stage of appendicitis and clinical presentation could be closely correlated to specific patterns of peritoneal bacterial flora. It was found that appendiceal gangrene and perforation uniformly produce a polymicrobial peritonitis that is based on the symbiosis of aerobes with anaerobes. Ensuing wound and intra-abdominal septic complications were likewise mixed infections. Based on these findings, refinements in the diagnosis of appendiceal gangrene and perforation as well as rationales in the treatment of appendicitis have been discussed.