Anaerobic Organisms Flashcards
What is an obligate anaerobe?
growth occurs only in an anaerobic environment, absent of oxygen
Describe a STRICT obligate anaerobe
usually not diagnosed with human infections, oxygen is toxic. Diagnosis usually not via culture as difficult for organisms to survive outside in vivo environment
Describe MODERATE obligate anaerobe
These are the cause of human infections. They are able to survive in reduced oxygen environments. These can routinely be cultured in the the labs. They require appropriate transport.
How do anaerobes obtain energy?
fermentation because it does not require oxygen. some can carry out anaerobic respiration where the final electron receptor is something other than oxygen.
What are exogenous anaerobes?
exist outside the body, live in soil, freshwater, and saltwater sediments.
What are endogenous anaerobes?
exist inside the body and live on skin and mucosal surfaces.
what do anaerobic infections generally contain?
a mixture of anaerobic and facultative anaerobic organsims.
What are some examples of exogenous infections
foodborne illnesses, such as botulism and gastroenteritis. Wound infection: tetanus, gas gangrene, crepitant cellulite, benign superficial infections, human and animal bites.
What are some examples of endogenous infections?
bacteremia, meningitis, endocarditis, abscess of an organ, dental infections, intrabdominal abcess, osteomyelitis.
What are some predisposing conditions?
trauma of mucous membranes or skin that decrease blood flow so that there is decreased 02. Conditions that cause vascular stasis: surgery, shock, edema, tissue necrosis
what are macroscopic indications that anaerobes are involved in the infection?
purulent specimen, large quanities of gas or foul odors, black exudate, sulfur granules, necrosis and gangrene.
if an infection continues despite aminoglycoside treatment, then it is an indication for what?
anaerobic culture
What is critical for specimen collection?
selection of the appropriate medium and transport
What are examples of sites that may be contaminated by indigenous flora? are these acceptable?
cervix, decubitis ulcers, stool, vagina, urine, sputum, bronchial washing. not acceptable
What are some examples of acceptable specimens?
synovial fluid, CSF, blood and bone marrow, aspirated exudates, direct lung aspirates, lung tissue, tissue biopsies, suprapubic aspirate.
The best specimen collection…
sterile body sites, aspirates, and tissues. the worst is swabs.