SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY DR. REMO BERGOGLIO
Argentina

During the period 1940-1960, anaerobic infections were clinically diagnosed. At that moment, the dominant idea was the external penetration of the bacteria, in clinical entities such as tetanus, botulism, gangrene, Mondor Syndrome, and Actinomycosis.

In the period 1960-1980, bacteriology was used to show the presence of anaerobic bacteria in all anatomic areas. Local and general causes favoring their development were described. The concept of bacteria coming from the same organism as cause of the infection demanded intense teaching activity of bacteriologists and infectious disease specialists to diffuse this knowledge. Abdominal and pelvic post - surgical diseases were the most frequent ones.

The 1980 -1998 period may be divided in two phases. In the first one, became effective, thanks to efficient bacteriologic analysis; teamwork among bacteriologists, surgeons and infectious diseases specialists developed. Later we could observe a decay of bacteriologic analysis, due to high costs and perhaps also to generation changes among professionals. Antibiotics are used empirically, following the knowledge of the most important anaerobes attacking different anatomic areas, whose sensitivity has not changed significantly.

A final reflection is that we must not forget the important role played by these anaerobes, accompanying us up to the grave, and their ability to destroy organic matter. Anaerobes are the efficient link between the perishable animal kingdom, and the static mineral world.