Effect of ciprofloxacin compared to gentamicin in the treatment of experimental intraabdominal infections in rats.

A reproducible experimental model of intraabdominal infections in rats has been developed in order to stimulate intraabdominal sepsis in patients. Preoperatively, the rats were fed with lean ground beef for two weeks in order to change the intestinal flora to one similar to that of humans. A 1-cm segment of ileum was isolated on its vascular pedicle. The intestine was then divided at each end of the segment and intestinal continuity was re-established by an end-to-end anastomosis. The segment of ileum was then returned to the abdominal cavity. This experimental model was used to compare the efficacy of ciprofloxacin alone and in combination with clindamycin with the combination gentamicin and clindamycin in the treatment of intraabdominal infections. Eighty per cent of the untreated animals died within four days. Within six days, 30% of the animals receiving ciprofloxacin died. Animals treated with ciprofloxacin plus clindamycin or gentamicin plus clindamycin had a significantly decreased mortality and increased cure rates during the experimental period. Only 5% of these animals died. Thus the combination of ciprofloxacin and clindamycin seems to be as successful as gentamicin plus ciprofloxacin in the treatment of intraabdominal infections.