Anaerobic Infections and Endocrinology

Anaerobic bacteria are present as part of the normal microbial flora in the human body. These bacteria turn virulent whenever the host defense mechanisms are compromised. Diabetes and glucocorticoid abuse are the two common endocrine conditions that predisposes individuals to anaerobic infections. Anaerobic infections are common in tropical countries and can affect any tissue or gland resulting in severe organ dysfunction. Microbial endocrinology deals with the bidirectional interaction between the hormones and the microbes. The interaction is influenced by the virulence factors released from the microbes, inflammatory mediators, and the hormonal dysfunction. In this chapter, we shall discuss the various anaerobic bacterial infections relevant in endocrinology practices. For complete coverage of all related areas of Endocrinology, please visit our on-line FREE web-text, WWW.ENDOTEXT.ORG.