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What is facultative bacteria infections?
26 November 2025
Facultative bacteria infections are infectious diseases caused by facultative bacteria, also known as facultative anaerobes. These are bacteria that can live and grow with or without oxygen, making them very resilient and widespread. They affect various organs and spread through contaminated feces, urine, water, and food, or by direct contact with an infected person.
There are many types of facultative bacteria. They can live inside human and animal bodies, as well as in diverse environments around the world, and some can even survive in radioactive waste. Facultative bacteria make up a large part of the normal flora in the mucous membranes, especially in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina. Those found outside the body can sometimes cause disease if they enter through the skin or are ingested.
Common facultative bacteria that cause infections include:
- Escherichia coli
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Proteus mirabilis
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Staphylococcus epidermidis
- Streptococcus agalactiae
- Streptococcus mutans
- Staphylococcus saprophyticus
- Streptococcus salivarius
Signs and symptoms Facultative Bacteria Infections
Symptoms can be mild or severe and usually begin one to two weeks after exposure. They commonly include:
- Tiredness and weakness
- Dehydration
- Abdominal pain and inflammation
- Muscle spasms
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Skin rashes
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Severe headaches
- High temperature or fever
- Dry cough
Diagnosis and treatment Facultative Bacteria Infections
In addition to performing a physical exam and reviewing the patient’s medical history, a doctor will order various tests to confirm the diagnosis, including blood, stool, urine, or bone marrow analyses.
The treatment plan depends on the specific case, the severity of symptoms, and the affected organs. It generally involves administering specific antibiotics to prevent the development of drug-resistant bacterial strains, as well as drinking plenty of fluids.
At the ABC Medical Center’s Department of Internal Medicine, we provide high-quality, safe medical care, from prevention and diagnosis to timely treatment and follow-up for infectious, respiratory, endocrine, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological conditions. We treat both chronic and acute illnesses using a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach.
Related centers and departments Facultative Bacteria Infections
Fuentes:
- paho.org
- redalyc.org
- elsevier.es
- medlineplus.gov
- msdmanuals.com
- merckmanuals.com
- medigraphic.com
- Paniagua CGL, Monroy PE, Juárez AI, et al. Comparación in vitro de la efectividad de antibióticos contra bacterias anaerobias facultativas aisladas de canales radiculares infectados. Rev ADM. 2006;63(3):103-110.
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The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.
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