Anti-anaerobic antibiotics: indication is key

We have read the translational series of experiments by Chanderraj et al. [1] with great interest. It shows the use of anti-anaerobic antibiotics to be associated with an increased risk of mortality in a retrospective study of mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients who have been prescribed intravenous antibiotics. When assessing the effect on mortality of anti-anaerobic antibiotics, indication should be taken into account