bacterial aspiration pneumonia
Last reviewed 01/2018
Anaerobic infection may frequently complicate aspiration and cause pneumonia. Suggestive features include gradual onset, low-grade fever, leukocytosis, malaise and sputum.
Culture reveals organisms normally resident in the pharynx, especially members of the Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, and Peptococcus species. Additionally, if hospital acquired, there will often be enteric gram-negative rods.
Untreated, the condition may progress to lung abscess or bronchiectasis.