Table 16.2: Examples of pathogenic obligate anaerobes

Bacterium

Result of infection

Clostridium tetani

Tetanus (lockjaw)

Clostridium botulinum

Botulism (an especially severe type of food poisoning)

Clostridium perfringens

Gas gangrene (gas is produced as an end point of the fermentation, distorting and destroying the tissue)

Bartonella hensela

Cat scratch fever (flu-like symptoms)

Bacteroides fragilis

Abdominal, pelvic, pulmonary, and blood infections