What is Anaerobic Bacteria?
Anaerobic bacteria are a type of bacteria that grows in places which have little or no oxygen. Such bacteria infect deep lacerations, deep tissues, and internal organs. Infections caused by anaerobic bacteria are marked by bad-smelling pus, the formation of abscesses, and the destruction of tissue. The bacteria are most often located in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, vagina, and on the skin.
The presence of these bacteria can cause diseases such as tetanus, botulism, and gas gangrene. They can even cause dental infections within the mouth. Anaerobic bacteria often grow within the body when the gums, skin, or intestinal wall is damaged by injury, disease, or surgery. Most of the time, the immune system destroys invading bacteria, but sometimes the bacteria are still capable of growing and causing infection.
Anaerobic bacteria infections can occur in the throat, ears, sinuses, gums, jaw, root canals, and tonsils. They can also appear in the lungs, causing lung abscesses, pneumonia, infection of the lungs' lining, and dilated lung bronchi. These infections can even occur in the abdomen. Appendicitis is one of several diseases that stems from the presence of the bacteria. People can also suffer from diabetic skin ulcers, bite wound infections, gangrene, and infections within the bloodstream.
There is an increased risk of infection in those who have undergone surgery or suffered an injury. People with blood vessel disease and tumors are also more prone to be inflicted with anaerobic bacteria infections. The symptoms of this health condition according to the location of the infection.
For example, those with bacterial infections within the tooth and gums may experience pain, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. They may even experience a problem with bad breath. In severe cases, a person may be afflicted with oozing sores.
People with throat infections may have symptoms marked by bad breath, fever, sore throat, a choking sensation, or a bad taste in the mouth. Patients with lung infections may have difficulty breathing and symptoms that include coughing, chest pain, fever, and weight loss. Those with intrabdominal infections may experience fever and pain. If they recently underwent surgery, there may be foul-smelling drainage. Pelvic infections will have symptoms ranging from pain, fever, chills, and blood draining from the uterus.
Symptoms of skin infections are often characterized by painful wounds that are red and swollen. They may even secrete foul-smelling pus. Soft tissue infections may reveal swelling and redness. They may also result in open sores that ooze pus. Bloodstream infections may cause chills, high fevers, and can ultimately cause death.
Written by K T Solis
