Eikenella

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Eikenella

Eikenella (pronounced: eye-ken-ella) is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria that is part of the normal flora in the human mouth and upper respiratory tract. It is named after M. Eiken, a Norwegian microbiologist.

Etymology

The genus name Eikenella is derived from the surname of M. Eiken, who first isolated and described these bacteria. The suffix "-ella" is a diminutive, indicating small or lesser, and is often used in the names of bacteria.

Characteristics

Eikenella bacteria are rod-shaped and are usually found in pairs or short chains. They are anaerobic, meaning they can survive in environments without oxygen, and are non-motile, meaning they do not move on their own. Eikenella bacteria are also oxidase-positive, which means they produce the enzyme oxidase.

The most well-known species in this genus is Eikenella corrodens, which is often associated with human infections, particularly in the mouth and upper respiratory tract. Eikenella corrodens can cause a variety of infections, including periodontitis, endocarditis, and cellulitis.

Related Terms

  • Gram-negative bacteria: A group of bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining method of bacterial differentiation.
  • Flora (microbiology): The bacteria and other microorganisms that live in a particular environment, such as the human body.
  • Anaerobic organism: An organism that can survive and grow in an oxygen-free environment.
  • Oxidase: An enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of electrons from a donor molecule to an acceptor molecule, often oxygen.
  • Eikenella corrodens: A species of Eikenella that is often associated with human infections.

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