Microbiology of the lower digestive tract

Abstract

A great variety of microorganisms is potentially involved in infections of the anorectum and colon. For practical purposes, these microorganisms will be grouped into five main categories according to the type of infection they can cause, the anatomic localization of the infection, and according to some of the host characteristics. We will review the microorganisms involved in these five categories: (1) abscesses and fistulae, (2) perianal disease, (3) proctitis, (4) proctocolitis, and (5) infections in the immunocompromised host. Only selected pathogenic species of parasites will be reviewed; this selection is based on high prevalence data, the likelihood of occasionally encountering the pathogen in industrialized countries, and their propensity for infecting the terminal part of the intestine. Table 11.1 summarizes the relevant information regarding the practical aspects of diagnosing of these organisms. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.