Abstract
In this study we aimed to determine the microorganisms found in perianal fistulas in Crohn’s disease and whether treatment with ciprofloxacin affects these microorganisms. Thirteen patients (males/females, 7/6; median age, 34 years; range, 18–61 years) with fistulas were treated with infliximab, 5 mg/kg intravenously, at weeks 6, 8, and 12 and randomized to double-blind treatment with ciprofloxacin, 500 mg bd (n = 6), or placebo (n = 7) for 12 weeks. Samples were taken at baseline and at weeks 6 and 18. In the ciprofloxacin group 10 different genera of microorganisms were identified, while 13 genera could be identified in the placebo group. Gram-negative enteric floras were present in a small minority. The genera found in patients with perianal fistulas were predominantly gram-positive microorganisms. Therefore, antimicrobial treatment should be directed toward these microorganisms.
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R. L. West was supported by a grant from Janssen-Cilag B. V., The Netherlands.
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West, R.L., Van Der Woude, C.J., Endtz, H.P. et al. Perianal Fistulas in Crohn’s Disease Are Predominantly Colonized by Skin Flora: Implications for Antibiotic Treatment?. Dig Dis Sci 50, 1260–1263 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-005-2769-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-005-2769-4