The Role of Anaerobic Bacteria in Perinephric and Renal Abscesses in Children

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the aerobic and anaerobic microbiology of renal abscesses in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Aspirates from six children with perinephric and four with renal abscess were cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. RESULTS: A total of 20 organisms were recovered, 8 aerobic or facultative bacteria and 12 anaerobic bacteria. Aerobic or facultative bacteria only were recovered in one patient, anaerobic bacteria only in two, and mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in seven. Anaerobic bacteria were isolated in perinephric abscesses that were associated with previous abdominal surgery and renal transplant and in renal abscesses that were related to malignancy, pyelonephritis, and orodental infection. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of anaerobic bacteria in perinephric and renal abscesses in children.