Anaerobic bacteria are bacteria that do not live or grow when oxygen is present.
In humans, these bacteria are most commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. They play a role in conditions such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, and perforation of the bowel.
Alternative Names
Anaerobe
Images
References
Brook I, Goldstein EJ. Diseases caused by non-spore forming anaerobic bacteria. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 297.
http://stedmansonline.com/content.aspx?id=mlrA1400000238&termtype=t.Accessed June 1, 2015.Stedman's Online Medical Dictionary. http://stedmansonline.com/content.aspx?id=mlrA1400000238&termtype=t. Accessed June 1, 2015.
Review Date 4/30/2015
Updated by: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.