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Anaerobic bacteria

Definition

Anaerobic bacteria are bacteria that do not live or grow when oxygen is present.

In humans, these bacteria are most commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. They play a role in conditions such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, and perforation of the bowel.

Alternative Names

Anaerobe

Gallery

Bacteria
Bacterial infections can lead to the formation of pus, or to the spread of the bacteria in the blood.

References

Murray Pr, Rosenthal KS, Pfaller MA. Non-spore-forming anaerobic bacteria. In: Murray PR, Rosenthal KS, Pfaller MA, eds. Medical Microbiology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 31.

Scheld WM, Patel R. Introduction to microbial disease: pathophysiology and diagnostics. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 261.

Last reviewed May 3, 2021 by Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

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