Infections following clenched-fist injury: a new perspective.

Fifteen cases of clenched-fist injury were studied by aerobic, anaerobic, and 10% CO2 cultures. Anaerobic bacteria and Eikenella corrodens were prominent pathogens, being recovered in 60% and 20% of cases, respectively. These organisms are more susceptible to penicillin than to penicillinase-resistant penicillins or cephalosporins. All clenched-fist injuries should be cultured in aerobic, anaerobic, and 10% CO2 atmospheres. We recommend the use of both penicillin and a penicillinase-resistant penicillin as initial empiric therapy.