Unit Code 8114:
Organism Referred for Identification, Anaerobic Bacteria
Useful For
Identification of anaerobic bacteria involved in human infections
Clinical Information
Anaerobic bacteria are the greatest component of the human body's
normal bacterial flora colonizing the skin, oral cavity, and genitourinary
and lower gastrointestinal tracts. Their presence is important in
promoting vitamin and other nutrient absorption and in preventing infection
with pathogenic bacteria.
Anaerobes generally are of low pathogenecity but may possess
virulence factors such as endotoxin or polysaccharide capsules or
produce extracellular toxins. Disease occurs when a large inoculum
develops in an area lacking oxygen and/or poor blood supply.
Typical anaerobic infections include peritonitis, abdominal or
pelvic abscesses, endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease,
aspiration pneumonia, empyema, lung abscesses, sinusitis,
brain abscesses, gas gangrene, and other soft tissue infections.
Many bacterioides produce beta-lactamase and are resistant to
penicillins and cephalosporins. Imipenem, metronidazole, and
clindamycin are effective agents although resistance to clindamycin
is increasing.
Reference Values
Identification of organism
Interpretation
Isolation of anaerobes in significant numbers from well-collected
specimens from blood, other normally sterile body fluids, or closed
collections of purulent fluid indicates infection with that (those)
organism(s).
Cautions
No significant cautionary statements
Special Instructions and Forms
Clinical Reference
Finegold SM, George W: Anaerobic Infections in Humans.
San Diego, CA, Academic Press, 1989
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