Pleuropulmonary lung infection by anaerobic bacteria.

Two patients with severe pleuropulmonary infection caused by non-sporing anaerobic bacteria are described. One had an empyema with foul-smelling pus and developed bacteraemia, and the other developed a lung abscess. Both were successfully treated with antibiotics and drainage, chest surgery being avoided. The successful diagnosis and treatment of these patients involved close liaison between clinical and laboratory staff.