Anaerobic infections definition is as follows. Anaerobic infection is an infection that is caused by the bacteria called anaerobes that lead a life without air because oxygen stubs their growth. Anaerobic infections definition tells that the bacteria are able to infect deep tissues, deep wounds and those internal organs, where there is no or little oxygen. Anaerobic infections definition presupposes that the infections are formed as abscesses and are characterized by tissue destruction and foul-smelling pus.
Speaking about anaerobic infections characteristics, it is necessary to say that the most common place where they live is that deprived of oxygen. The infections are usually found in vagina, mouth, gastrointestinal tract or on the skin. The most common diseases caused by anaerobic bacteria are tetanus, botulism, gangrene and almost all dental infections.
Very often anaerobic bacteria cause infections when the barrier in the form of gums, skin and intestinal wall is damaged because of the surgery, disease or injury. As a rule, the immune system of the organism fights against different bacteria, but there are cases when bacteria survive and develop in the organism. The growth of anaerobic bacteria is favored in those places on the body where there is necrosis, tissue destruction or insufficient blood supply. It is quite possible that the condition can be caused by shock, surgery, injury or a blood vessel disease.
Anaerobic infections definition can vary. Anaerobic bacteria can be the cause of infection in any part of the human body, for example, on the neck, mouth, head, etc. Infections can be caused in gums (gingivitis), tonsils, sinuses, root canals, jaws, throats and ears. In the lungs anaerobic bacteria cause pneumonia, empyema, bronchiectasis and lung abscesses. Intraabdominal is also affected by the bacteria. In this area they cause abscess formation, appendicitis and peritonitis. By damaging female genital tract, the bacteria cause pelvic abscesses, endometritis, pelvic inflammation and other infections following childbirth, surgery and abortion. By damaging soft tissue and skin, the bacteria cause ulcers, gangrene and others. It is worthy of note that anaerobic infections can even affect the central nervous system, causing spinal cord and brain abscesses. If a patient has such a disease as bacteremia, it is possible to find anaerobic bacteria in his blood.
As for the symptoms and signs of anaerobic infections, they differ depending on where in the organism they are located. The most common symptoms are tissue destruction, fever, abscess. As for the specific infections, have the following symptoms.
Gum and tooth infections result in bleeding gums, pain and bad breath. In case of severe infections, oozing sores appear. When the infection is located in the lung, the symptoms are chest pain, difficult breathing, weight loss and bad breath. The bacteria located in the women genital system cause chills, fever, uterus bleeding, pelvic pain and others.