Anaerobic bacterium

Anaerobic bacterium refers to any bacterial species capable of living and growing in environments devoid of molecular oxygen. This is not a single molecule or receptor but rather a broad classification encompassing many genera and species with diverse morphologies and metabolic capabilities. Anaerobes are divided into three main groups based on their oxygen tolerance: 1. **Obligate anaerobes** – cannot survive in the presence of oxygen; examples include *Clostridium* spp. 2. **Facultative anaerobes** – can grow with or without oxygen; examples include *Escherichia coli*. 3. **Aerotolerant anaerobes** – tolerate but do not use oxygen for growth[1][3][7]. Clinically important genera include *Bacteroides*, *Prevotella*, *Porphyromonas*, *Fusobacterium*, *Peptostreptococcus*, and others[6]. These organisms are part of normal human flora but can cause serious infections when displaced into sterile body sites. Therapeutic targeting is directed at the organism as a whole rather than a specific molecular target such as an enzyme or receptor. Treatment often involves antibiotics like metronidazole or clindamycin that exploit unique aspects of their metabolism or protein synthesis machinery[2][4][6]. Resistance patterns vary by genus and region. Because "anaerobic bacterium" is not a specific molecule/receptor/target but instead refers to an entire class/grouping within microbiology, it does not fit standard definitions for therapeutic targets used in drug discovery databases—hence this entry should be considered incorrect for structured target mapping purposes[5]. --- **Note:** The term "anaerobic bacteria" describes an entire category/group rather than any individual molecule/protein/receptor/enzyme typically considered as drug targets in pharmacology or structural biology contexts.

Other names

AnaerobesAnaerobic bacteriaObligate anaerobeFacultative anaerobeAerotolerant anaerobe

- Inhibition of DNA synthesis (metronidazole) - Inhibition of protein synthesis at the ribosome (clindamycin)