[Anerobic infections in otolaryngology (author's transl)]

Studies have shown, that the normal flora of the upper airway harbors many different anaerobic bacteria. They play an important role in many chronic diseases such as chronic sinusitis, chronic secretory otitis and chronic tonsillitis. On the other hand they may cause acute situations such as pharyngeal abscess, Ludwig's angina, Vincent's angina or space infections in the neck. The bacteria most frequently reported from infected sites are Bacteroides sp., anaerobic cocci and fuso-bacteria. Bacteroides fragilis plays a minor role. Anaerobic pathogens should also be considered in patients with major surgery of the head and neck following radiation therapy. This concept leads to a considerable reduction of major and minor surgical complications.