Treatment of aspiration pneumonia and primary lung abscess. Penicillin G vs clindamycin
J. G. Bartlett and S. L. Gorbach
Aspiration pneumonitis and lung abscess generally involve anaerobic
bacteria, which normally colonize the upper respiratory passages. The
therapeutic response of these infections to parenteral penicillin G (49
patients) and parenteral clindamycin (35 patients) was compared to
determine relative efficacy. No difference was discerned between these two
agents in terms of time required for defervescence, roentgenographic
clearing, and ultimate outcome. Seven patients with infections including
Bacteroides fragilis were treated with penicillin G, and all responded
well. These data indicate that penicillin G is the preferred agent for
pulmonary infections involving anaerobic bacteria. Clindamycin is a
suitable alternative for patients in whom penicillin G is contraindicated.
