Pathogenicity of Anaerobic Gram-Negative Rods: Possible Mechanisms

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Abstract
The literature dealing with the pathogenicity of anaerobic gram-negative rods in humans is reviewed. Knowledge concerning definite pathogenic mechanisms is, at best, cursory. There is evidence that encapsulation plays a role in the pathogenicity of Bacteroides fragilis and some of the black-pigmented Bacteroides. A range of enzymes, among them collagenase and IgA protease, are produced by several Bacteroides species. Supernatants of Fusobacterium necrophorum cultures may be leukotoxic. The cell wall lipopolysaccharides of Fusobacterium species are powerful endotoxins. Synergism between anaerobic gram-negative rods and other bacterial species has been demonstrated in experimental animals.

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