The usual microbes involved in diverticulitis are those found in the colon, including E. coli and Bacteroides fragilis.

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Diverticulitis is typically an infection driven by the colon’s own bacteria. The culprits are organisms that normally reside in the colon, with E. coli and Bacteroides fragilis being classic examples. Infections are often polymicrobial, involving anaerobes and facultative anaerobes from the gut, which is why treatment targets both groups. Viruses and fungi are not the usual primary causes in most cases, so describing the infection as due to the colonic flora like E. coli and Bacteroides fragilis is correct.