Anaerobes in infections of the head and neck and ear, nose, and throat.

Anaerobic bacteria outnumber aerobes at most oropharyngeal sites, with counts up to 10(11)/ml of fluid, and have been implicated in infections of all structures of the head and neck. They are common in chronic otitis media, chronic sinusitis, and various soft-tissue infections. These infections are initiated primarily by mucosal breaks. Bacterial factors such as adhesiveness and antileukocytic activity also may play a role. Among the complications of these infections are brain abscess, aspiration pneumonia, and anaerobic sepsis. Treatment includes surgical drainage and use of antimicrobial agents active against the mixed flora commonly found. Penicillin is currently the drug of choice, but this may change with the emergence of beta-lactamase-producing strains of anaerobes such as Bacteroides melaninogenicus.