Bacterial interference

Bacterial interactions, antagonistic and synergistic, help maintain the bal ance in the normal endogenous flora. The production of bacteriocins by micr oorganisms is one of the important mechanisms used for interference. The ab ility of various microorganisms to produce bacteriocins and exhibit interfe ring capability is detailed in the review. These organisms include Gram-pos itive and Gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The role of bacteri al interference (BI) in clinical infections and the effect of this phenomen on on their eradication is detailed. The infections discussed include those of the upper respiratory (pharyngo-tonsillitis, otitis media), urogenital, and gastrointestinal tracts. The influence of antimicrobial agents on thes e organisms and their interactions with other bacteria are also described.