Anaerobes
Anaerobes
Anaerobes (pronunciation: /ænˈɛrəʊbz/) are organisms that can survive and grow in an environment that lacks oxygen. They are a significant part of the microbial world and are found in all sorts of environments, including the human body.
Etymology
The term "anaerobe" comes from the Greek words "an" meaning "without", and "aer" meaning "air". The suffix "-obe" comes from the Greek "bios" meaning "life". Thus, "anaerobe" literally translates to "life without air".
Types of Anaerobes
There are three main types of anaerobes:
- Obligate Anaerobes: These organisms cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. They obtain energy by fermentation or anaerobic respiration.
- Aerotolerant Anaerobes: These organisms can tolerate the presence of oxygen but do not use it for growth or energy production.
- Facultative Anaerobes: These organisms can grow with or without oxygen. They can switch between aerobic respiration (with oxygen) and anaerobic pathways (without oxygen).
Medical Significance
Anaerobes play a significant role in human health and disease. They are part of the normal microbiota in the human body, particularly in the gut and mouth. However, they can also cause infections, especially when they enter sterile parts of the body. Some common anaerobic pathogens include Clostridium perfringens, Bacteroides fragilis, and Peptostreptococcus species.
Treatment
Treatment of anaerobic infections often involves antibiotics that are effective against anaerobic bacteria. These include metronidazole, clindamycin, and amoxicillin-clavulanate. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove infected tissue or drain abscesses.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Anaerobes
- Wikipedia's article - Anaerobes
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