ABSTRACT
Almost all anaerobic infections originate from the patient’s own microflora. Poor blood supply and tissue necrosis lower the oxidation-reduction potential and favor the growth of anaerobic bacteria. Any condition that lowers the blood supply to an affected area of the body can predispose to anaerobic infection. Therefore, trauma, foreign body, malignancy, surgery, edema, shock, colitis, and vascular disease may predispose to anaerobic infection. Previous infection with aerobic or facultative organisms also may make the local tissue conditions more favorable for the growth of anaerobic bacteria.
