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Anaerobic bacteria

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Bacteria
Bacteria

Alternative Names    Return to top

Anaerobe

Definition    Return to top

Anaerobic bacteria are bacteria that do not live or grow in the presence of oxygen.

In humans, this type of bacteria is most commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. It plays a role in conditions such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, and perforation of the bowel.

Update Date: 5/21/2009

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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