Use of antibiotics for prevention of Bacteroides fragilis wound sepsis in rats.

A Bacteroides fragilis wound sepsis model was developed in rats. Topical and parenteral administration of clindamycin, chloramphenicol, and carbenicillin were used prophylactically to eradicate bacteria from contaminated wounds. Topical clindamycin prevented bacterial growth in 15 of 34 wounds, while topical chloramphenicol and carbenicillin were not effective. Clindamycin injected into the wound margins or at a distal site prevented bacterial growth in 16 of 18 wounds and in a lower dose prevented growth of 50 per cent of 12 wounds. These results support the clinical use of clindamycin for the prevention of Bacteroides wound infection.