$Unique_ID{BRK01245}
$Pretitle{Infections or Parasites}
$Title{Does the Term "Anaerobe" Describe a Dangerous Condition or Disease?}
$Subject{infections anaerobe description}
$Volume{A}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Does the Term "Anaerobe" Describe a Dangerous Condition or Disease?


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QUESTION:  Could you please tell me if the term "anaerobe" describes a
dangerous condition or disease?  This information is most important to me, so
please include this answer in your column.

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ANSWER:  You must be listening in to conversations at your doctor's office!
Anaerobes are a type of bacteria.  All bacteria are divided roughly into two
types:  those that must have oxygen to develop, "aerobic" bacteria, and those
that can live and grow without it, "anaerobic" bacteria or simply "anaerobes."
     As with other microbes, not all anaerobes are dangerous.  As a matter of
fact, anaerobes are commonly found on our skin and mucus membranes, where they
do no harm until damage or disease lets them into deeper tissue.  There,
little oxygen is present and anaerobes are in a situation that favors their
growth and an infection occurs.  Some infections-- called mixed
infections--are caused by combinations of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria.
     The classic anaerobic infection is gangrene, where tissue that has had
its blood supply (and thus oxygen supply) cut off, becomes anaerobically
infected, and dies.  Abscesses, (pockets of infection that are closed off) are
commonly caused by anaerobes, as is peritonitis.  The hallmark of an anaerobic
infection is a foul or putrid odor.
     Anaerobic infections can occur after surgery, especially abdominal
operations, but surgery is also one of the best ways to treat an anaerobic
infection.  Simply opening up and cleaning out an abscess will let in oxygen
that stops the anaerobic growth.  In some cases, a surgeon will put in a
drainage tube to drain the infection site.  Anaerobes are hard to kill with
antibiotics, but some strains of anaerobic bacteria do respond to drug
therapy.
     Now, if this information was about a condition you are suffering from,
and I haven't made it all quite clear, go back to that doctor's office and get
the information you need to understand what is going on, and calm your fears.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
