Anaerobic infections

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Anaerobes are always present, but usually silent, in the human body. Thus, disruption of normal barriers, predisposing factors, or complications in a susceptible site can easily result in infection. Since multiple anaerobes, and often aerobes as well, are usually found in these infections, physicians may want to start treatment without waiting for laboratory identification of all species. The authors summarize clinical clues that suggest anaerobic activity and empirical treatment with proven antibiotics.