Anaerobic bacteria in pediatric infections.

Anaerobic bacteria normally outnumber aerobic bacteria in the oral cavity and the gastrointestinal tract. They have been isolated from pediatric patients with various diseases. Anaerobic bacteria have been shown to colonize newborns immediately after delivery. These organisms are associated with cellulitis at the site of fetal monitoring, neonatal aspiration pneumonia bacteremia, conjunctivitis and omphalitis. Clostridial spores have been found in cases of necrotizing enterocolitis. Botulism of the newborn has been reported.