THE ROLE OF ANAEROBIC-BACTERIA IN HUMAN INFECTIONS

Anaerobes are generally accepted as clinically important pathogens. Al though they are found on most mucocutaneous surfaces, anaerobic bacter ia are especially abundant in the upper and lower respiratory tracts, gastrointestinal tract, and female genital tract. They are involved in infections such as chronic sinusitis, aspiration pneumonia, lung absc ess, intra-abdominal abscess, bacterial vaginosis, decubitus ulcer, an d bite wounds. Depending on the type and location of the infection, tr eatment may involve surgical drainage and a multiple antibiotic regime n that provides protection against both anaerobes and gram-negative ae robes. Penicillin was the drug of choice for anaerobic infections, but its inactivity against most penicillinase-producing anaerobes has mad e it less useful for empiric therapy. Clindamycin, with its proven act ivity against anaerobic infections, is the current drug of choice. Cli ndamycin is particularly effective against upper and lower respiratory tract infections and infections of the female genital tract.