A survey of the appreciation of anaerobic infections by Venezuelan medical students

The background of a successful clinical diagnosis of an anaerobic infection is dependent, to a large extent, on the skills, knowledge and awareness that the examining clinician acquired during his or her time as a medical student. To assess the quality of current teaching protocols in anaerobic microbiology in Venezuela, a survey was carried out among 300 medical students attending three medical schools. The survey consisted of a questionnaire of 18 questions on fundamental aspects of anaerobic bacteria, the infections they cause and their treatment. Although there was only a poor response rate (from 16% of students), the conclusion of the study was that there was a distinct lack of knowledge and appreciation of anaerobic infections among medical students in Venezuela. (C) 1999 Academic Press.