Intra-abdominal infection (IAI)

A group of infections that occur within the abdominal cavity.

IAIs are a common cause of gastrointestinal emergency procedures and responsible for high levels of morbidity and mortality. An uncomplicated IAI (uIAI) involves only a single organ and does not extend to the peritoneum, a two-layer membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. A complicated IAI (cIAI) involves more than one organ and infection of the peritoneal space, the gap between the two layers of the peritoneum, leading to abscesses or peritonitis.

Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria can cause IAIs and these can be drug-resistant.

Intra-abdominal infections: the role of different classifications on the selection of the best antibiotic treatment (BMC Infectious Diseases, 2019)

The management of intra-abdominal infections from a global perspective: 2017 WSES guidelines for management of intra-abdominal infections (World journal of emergency surgery, 2017)

Complicated intrabdominal infections: Developing drugs for treatment guidance for industry (FDA, 2018)

Intra-abdominal Infections in Adults (U.S. Pharmacist, 2016)