Susceptibility Test Methods: Anaerobic Bacteria

Abstract

Anaerobic bacterial pathogens cause serious infections, particularly in the hospital environment. Antimicrobials are a mainstay of treatment, and as with aerobic pathogens, resistance in anaerobic bacteria is increasingly becoming problematic. This chapter covers resistance in specific anaerobe‐antimicrobial agent combinations. It outlines susceptibility testing methods and emphasizes the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. The chapter summarizes susceptibility data for major antimicrobials within four groups of anaerobic pathogens (Gram‐negative bacilli, Gram‐positive spore‐forming bacilli, Gram‐positive non‐spore‐forming bacilli, and cocci). It presents pertinent trends of increasing resistance for each group, and reviews specific recommendations for testing and reporting. A quality control program is designed to monitor the accuracy and precision of the susceptibility testing process being performed. Clinical laboratories should provide susceptibility testing of anaerobes to optimize patient care. More frequent susceptibility testing of anaerobes will lead to a better understanding of the epidemiology of resistance.