Correct answer:

Peritonitis of bowel origin usually shows a mixed faecal flora (Escherichia coli, Streptococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella and Proteus, together with anaerobic Clostridium and Bacteroides). Gynaecological infections may be chlamydial, gonococcal or streptococcal. Blood-borne peritonitis may be streptococcal, pneumococcal, staphylococcal or tuberculous. In young girls, a rare gynaecological infection is due to pneumococcus. The pathological effects of peritonitis are as follows. (1) Widespread absorption of toxins from the large, inflamed surface. (2) The associated paralytic ileus with: (a) loss of fluid, (b) loss of electrolytes, (c) loss of protein. (3) Gross abdominal distension with elevation of the diaphragm, which produces a liability to lung collapse and pneumonia.