What is the most common cause of anorectal abscesses?

The most common cause of anorectal abscesses is typically attributed to E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. These organisms are frequently involved due to their prevalence in the gastrointestinal tract and skin flora, respectively.

Anorectal abscesses often arise from obstructed anal glands or infections in the perianal area, which creates a suitable environment for these bacteria to thrive and cause infection. E. coli is part of the normal flora of the intestines and can gain access to the surrounding tissue during instances of anal gland obstruction or trauma, leading to pus formation. Staphylococcus aureus, while not as prevalent as E. coli in the gastrointestinal tract, can also be involved due to its ability to cause infections in various sites and is often present on the skin.

The other organisms listed are less frequently associated with anorectal abscesses. Streptococcus can cause other types of infections but is not the primary pathogen in this case. Clostridium species are typically involved in different clinical conditions, such as gas gangrene or colitis, rather than anorectal abscesses. Staphylococcus epidermidis is a skin commensal that more commonly causes infections in indwelling catheters or prosthetic devices, rather than being a