Anaerobes – are bacteria the require zero O2
tension for their growth(they don’t need it at
all). The presence of O2 is either inhibitory or
toxic to these organisms.
- The amount of anaerobic normal
bacteria outnumber the amount of
aerobic bacteria. Ex. Bacteroides
anaerobes outnumber the facultative
anaerobic bacteria (E.coli) by a ratio of
1:1000
- Two major divisions of anaerobes:
Sporeforming and Non-sporeforming
Generally, most of the anaerobes are
destructive, these lesions may be produced by:
- tissue necrosis – is the form of cell
injury which results to the premature
death of cells in the living tissue
- foul-smelling discharges and purulent
drainage
- manifestation of gas in soft tissues ;
resulting into crepitus ( cracking
sounds)
Laboratory Diagnosis:
Normally for diagnosis the specimen is taken
directly from the site normally sterile
Specimens that you cannot use: Voided urine,
feces and sputum
Recommended collection technique: Needle
aspiration
Used for transportation: special transport or
collection tube(gassed-out tube)
Incubate: using gas pack jars
Procedures for examination:
-Gram staining
-Culture – anaerobes are very fastidious as they
require to be in an Enriched Medium (ex.
Cooked Meat Medium)
Sporeforming Anaerobes – Clostidrium Family
: C. tetani(tetanus) , C. perfringens(gas
gangrene), C. defficile(pseudonmembranous
entereocolitis), C. botulinum(food poisoning)
Clostridium tetani(tetanus bacilli)
Characteristics:
- Gram (+) because they are
sporeforming bacilli, terminal spore
with a characteristic of drumstick or
tennis racket appearance
- Most possess peritrichous flagella
therefore motile
- Best method to destroy this bacteria is
autoclave
- Normally found in soil, intestine of
lower animals and humans
Pathogenecity:
- They release a powerful exotoxin and
an neurotoxin known as tetanospasmin
which specifically targets the tissues of
the Central Nervous System, also
responsible for the signs and symptoms
of tetanus. Note: This bacteria does not
invade the bloodstream
Clinical infection: lockjaw or tetanus or trismus
Mode of transmission:
- Punctured wood contained with C.
tetani
- Tetanus neonatorum- infected
umbilicus (for the newborn)
Incubation period:
- Short IP – 3-21 days
- Long IP – 4-5 weeks
Clinical manifestations:
- Neuromuscular spasms – lockjaw
- Risus sardonicus (sardonic grin) –
clenching of jaw
- Hyperextension of neck and body –
opisthotonus ; painful muscle spasms
often provoked by the slightest
stimulation
Immunity- non existent
Prevention and control:
- Through the cleansing of wound;
debridement or removement of
necrotic areas
- Active immunization:
Diptheria vaccine- per schedule
Tetanus toxoid- immunization of
pregnant mothers (IgG)
- Passive immunization
ATS; anti-tetanus serum ( horse serum)
Hyperimmune tetanus serum
Clostridium perfringens (Clostridial
mynecrosis)
Characteristics:
- Causes gas gangrenes
- Also causes food poisoning
- Central/subterminal spore (box-car or
matchbox shaped)
- Found in soil, intestines of humans and
animals
Clinical Infections:
- Wound and soft tissue infections:
C. perfringens is responsible for 60-90% of
clostridial mynecrosis
It is brought by the release of exotoxin
called a-toxin which is cytotoxic -> then
attacks the muscles -> resulting into
necrosis with the accumulation of fluid and
gas. This can occur in extremities, intestines
and uterus.
- Food poisoning:
This is due to the production of
enterotoxins (entero meaning inside
“enter”)
Caused by the ingestion of
contaminated meat
Manifestations appear at 8-24 hours
after the ingestion, symptoms occur as
abdominal pain and diarrhea that will
last 12-18 hours.
Clostidrium difficile
: causes diarrhea or a more severe
pesudomembrane enterocolitis associated with
administration of certain antibiotics (including
penicillin and ampicillin)
: this is normal flora to some individuals
:Enterotoxin A – promotes fluid secretion
: Cytotoxin B- damages mucosal membranes
Clostidrium Botolinum
: produces the most potent(powerful) exotoxin
known, a neurotoxin which is responsible for
the signs and symptoms of botulism which is a
fatal neuroparalytic disease.
Botulism
- Results from the ingestion of preformed
botulinum toxin in contaminated food(
caused by improperly canning or failure
to preserve food)
- Heating of food destroys toxin
- Incubation Period is 18-36 hours
- Earliest manifestation:
: weakness,dizziness and severe dryness
of mouth
 :paralysis of muscles of vision and
swallowing and respiration
(dysfunctional respiratory system =
death)
:Death occurs within 3-7 days

Non-sporeforming Anaerobes

- Consists mainly of Gram(+) and Gram (-)

on cocci and bacilli

Bacteroides fragilis

- The most important organism

- Gram (-)
- Important because of foul-smelling
abscesses and ulcers( found especially
in bedridden patients)

Treatment : Cleaning of wound or antibiotic

therapy