Anaerobic bacterial diseases now and then: where do we go from here?
Two developments of major importance followed Pasteur's discovery of anaerobiosis: Lister revolutionized surgery by recognizing the importance of Pasteur's germ theory of disease and by introducing the antiseptic surgical method. The day of the anaerobe hunter had dawned. The discovery of many anaerobic bacteria linked etiologically to human disease followed, so that by 1900 most of the pathogenic anaerobes were recognized. The frequent occurrence of anaerobic bacterial intoxications, during the two World Wars stimulated the study of clostridia, organisms that dominated the study of anaerobes until the 1960s. During the next decade the emphasis shifted to the non-spore-forming anaerobes due to the work of Finegold in Los Angeles, and Moore and Holdeman in Virginia. Their pioneer studies initiated and carried forward the "anaerobe revolution," and exerted an influence that transformed the clinical and microbiologic approach to anaerobic bacterial infections in almost every field of medical practice. In considering the question, "Where do we go from here?" the author discusses some aspects of anaerobic infections that remain areas of debate or provide pathways for future exploration. Reference is made to the acceptable "anaerobic specimen," and to the problem of "mixed infections." Pseudomembranous colitis is noted and the role of anaerobes in tonsillitis and pharyngitis, bronchitis, and nonspecific vaginitis (vaginosis) is discussed.
D001421:Bacteria, Anaerobic; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D001991:Bronchitis / Q000382:microbiology; D004761:Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000382:microbiology; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000382:microbiology; D014627:Vaginitis / Q000382:microbiology