Many different kinds of bacteria live in and on the body. Different types of bacteria have different requirements that they need for effective energy utilization. Anaerobic bacteria are common bacteria that do not need oxygen to survive and can cause a variety of different infections throughout the body.
Definition
Aerobic bacteria are bacteria that need oxygen to survive. Anaerobic bacteria, on the other hand, can survive in the absence of oxygen. This causes their metabolism to be different than aerobic organisms, such as humans. Anaerobic bacteria, according to the University of Minnesota, can be either aerotolerant, which means they are able to grow in the presence of oxygen, or obligate anaerobes, which cannot survive in an environment with oxygen.
Location
Anaerobic bacteria make up much of the normal bacterial life that live on and around the human body, according to Southern Illinois University. They commonly live on the mucous membranes of the body, including the vagina, mouth and the lower portion of the gastrointestinal tract. Anaerobic infections can occur in the body when the tissues in these areas break down, which allows the bacteria to escape into other parts of the body. Deep puncture wounds or trauma can also lead to anaerobic infections.
Common Infections
Many different kinds of anaerobic bacteria in the body can cause infections in various parts of the body, the Merck Manual explains. Bacteroides, which is the most common kind of anaerobic infection, can cause infections in the abdomen. Prevotella and Peptostreptococcus bacteria can also cause infections in the abdomen. Other kinds of bacteria, including Porphyromonas and Actinomyces, can cause aspiration pneumonia, which is a type of pneumonia that occurs when vomit is inadvertently inhaled. The Clostridium family of bacteria can cause food poisoning, tetanus, gas gangrene and botulism poisoning.
Symptoms
Some symptoms indicate an anaerobic soft tissue infection, according to the University of Minnesota. If the infection is occurring next to a mucous membrane, and there is tissue death around the site of infection, anaerobic bacteria may be the culprit. These infections may have a foul odor, and the site of infection may seep blood or a black substance. Another sign that a soft-tissue infection is due to anaerobic bacteria is if it is difficult to culture bacteria in the wound.
Treatment
Serious infections due to anaerobic bacteria, Health Line explains, may require hospitalization. Many antibiotics are not effective against anaerobic bacteria, but imipenem, metronidazole and chloramphenicol are all effective against most anaerobic infections. If the bacteria have caused an abscess to form, the abscess may need to be drained or surgically removed.
