[Anaerobic infections in the head and neck area. Current status of knowledge].

The classification of anaerobic infections and the most common organisms affecting the head and neck, pathogenesis diagnosis and current therapy are reported. Certain types of infections are particularly important for anaerobic bacteria and include actinomycosis, infectious complications of chronic otitis media or sinusitis, phlegmon of the floor of the mouth, peritonsillar abscess, retro-(para-)pharyngeal abscess, neck space infections, mediastinitis, wound infections following head and neck surgery and septic complications.