Anaerobic Bacterial Infections

Key points

• They grow in low-oxygen conditions and may enter tissue when an operation, wound, dental procedure or perforated bowel breaks the body’s defences.
• Gas can form within affected tissue.
• Management has two aims: to clear the organisms and to drain any pus collection, often using an agent active against anaerobes with surgical drainage.

How infection starts

An operation, trauma, dental treatment or a hole in the bowel can breach normal barriers. Once anaerobes reach sterile sites, infection may follow. The pelvis, abdomen, mouth, lungs and deep soft tissue are recognised sites; mixed organisms may be involved.

Symptoms

Severe disease can take the form of a lung abscess, peritonitis after a ruptured appendix, pelvic inflammatory complications, or infection that necroses soft tissue. Rapid progression after abdominal or dental surgery is another warning.

Treatment and drainage

Antibiotics with activity against anaerobes are central. Tinidazole is one agent used for susceptible anaerobic organisms; it is also used for giardiasis and trichomoniasis. Tinidazole is supplied as a 500 mg tablet (Tinidazole). If pus has collected, drainage may be needed; dead tissue may require surgical debridement. Pharmacy partners in India ship orders to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

When to seek help

Get urgent help for swelling or redness that spreads quickly, high fever with a rigid abdomen, or an offensive-smelling discharge from a surgical wound.

Further reading

• Bacterial infections - symptoms, causes and treatments - Healthdirect
• Overview of Anaerobic Bacteria - Infections - MSD Manual Consumer Version