Enterobacter: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 12:04, 15 February 2025

A genus of common Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria

Enterobacter is a genus of common Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae. Several strains of these bacteria are known to be pathogenic and can cause a variety of infections in humans.

Characteristics[edit]

Enterobacter species are facultative anaerobes, meaning they can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen. They are oxidase negative and catalase positive. These bacteria are motile due to the presence of peritrichous flagella.

Pathogenicity[edit]

Enterobacter species are known to cause nosocomial infections, which are infections acquired in hospitals. They are often associated with urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and bacteremia.

Antibiotic Resistance[edit]

A significant concern with Enterobacter species is their ability to develop antibiotic resistance. Many strains produce beta-lactamase, an enzyme that confers resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins and cephalosporins.

Species[edit]

The genus Enterobacter includes several species, with Enterobacter cloacae being one of the most clinically significant. Other notable species include Enterobacter aerogenes and Enterobacter sakazakii.

Laboratory Identification[edit]

In the laboratory, Enterobacter species can be identified using a variety of biochemical tests. They are typically grown on MacConkey agar, where they produce pink colonies due to lactose fermentation.

Prevention and Control[edit]

Preventing infections caused by Enterobacter involves strict adherence to infection control practices in healthcare settings. This includes proper hand hygiene, sterilization of medical equipment, and isolation of infected patients when necessary.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Enterobacter''' is a [[genus]] of common [[Gram-negative]], facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming [[bacteria]] of the family [[Enterobacteriaceae]]. Various species within this genus are pathogenic and are associated with [[hospital-acquired infections]], including [[urinary tract infections]], [[respiratory tract infections]], [[wound infections]], and [[meningitis]]. Enterobacter species can also be found in the [[gastrointestinal tract]] of humans and animals as part of their normal flora.
+{{Short description|A genus of common Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria}}
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Enterobacter
+| image = Enterobacter_cloacae_01.png
+| image_caption = ''Enterobacter cloacae''
+| image_upright = 1.2
+| domain = [[Bacteria]]
+| phylum = [[Pseudomonadota]]
+| classis = [[Gammaproteobacteria]]
+| ordo = [[Enterobacterales]]
+| familia = [[Enterobacteriaceae]]
+| genus = '''''Enterobacter'''''
+| genus_authority = Hormaeche & Edwards 1960
+}}
+'''''Enterobacter''''' is a genus of common [[Gram-negative bacteria|Gram-negative]], facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria of the family [[Enterobacteriaceae]]. Several strains of these bacteria are known to be pathogenic and can cause a variety of infections in humans.
 ==Characteristics==
-Enterobacter species are biochemically characterized by their ability to ferment [[lactose]] with the production of gas within 48 hours at 35-37°C. They are also oxidase-negative and possess the ability to reduce [[nitrate]] to [[nitrite]]. These bacteria are motile by means of peritrichous [[flagella]].
+''Enterobacter'' species are [[facultative anaerobes]], meaning they can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen. They are [[oxidase]] negative and [[catalase]] positive. These bacteria are motile due to the presence of peritrichous [[flagella]].
 ==Pathogenicity==
-Enterobacter species, particularly ''Enterobacter cloacae'' and ''Enterobacter aerogenes'', are capable of causing a wide range of infections. These organisms have an intrinsic resistance to several [[antibiotics]], including [[ampicillin]], [[first-generation cephalosporins]], and some [[aminoglycosides]], making the treatment of infections caused by these bacteria challenging. The emergence of [[multidrug-resistant]] strains has been reported, further complicating the clinical management of Enterobacter infections.
+''Enterobacter'' species are known to cause [[nosocomial infections]], which are infections acquired in hospitals. They are often associated with [[urinary tract infections]], [[respiratory tract infections]], and [[bacteremia]].
-==Clinical Manifestations==
+===Antibiotic Resistance===
-Enterobacter infections can manifest in various forms, depending on the site of infection. Common clinical presentations include:
+A significant concern with ''Enterobacter'' species is their ability to develop [[antibiotic resistance]]. Many strains produce [[beta-lactamase]], an enzyme that confers resistance to [[beta-lactam antibiotics]], including [[penicillins]] and [[cephalosporins]].
-* '''Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)''': These are often associated with the use of urinary catheters.
+==Species==
-* '''Respiratory Tract Infections''': Including pneumonia, especially in patients on mechanical ventilation.
+The genus ''Enterobacter'' includes several species, with ''[[Enterobacter cloacae]]'' being one of the most clinically significant. Other notable species include ''[[Enterobacter aerogenes]]'' and ''[[Enterobacter sakazakii]]''.
-* '''Wound Infections''': Post-surgical or traumatic wounds can become infected with Enterobacter species.
-* '''Meningitis''': Although less common, Enterobacter can cause meningitis, particularly in neonates.
-==Diagnosis==
+==Laboratory Identification==
-The diagnosis of Enterobacter infections involves the isolation and identification of the organism from clinical specimens such as blood, urine, sputum, or wound swabs. Laboratory identification is typically performed using biochemical tests, [[mass spectrometry]] (such as MALDI-TOF MS), or molecular methods.
+In the laboratory, ''Enterobacter'' species can be identified using a variety of biochemical tests. They are typically grown on [[MacConkey agar]], where they produce pink colonies due to lactose fermentation.
-==Treatment==
+==Prevention and Control==
-The treatment of Enterobacter infections requires the use of antibiotics to which the isolate is susceptible. Due to the high level of intrinsic and acquired resistance among Enterobacter species, [[empirical therapy]] often includes the use of [[carbapenems]], [[piperacillin/tazobactam]], or [[third-generation cephalosporins]]. However, susceptibility testing is essential to guide the choice of antibiotics.
+Preventing infections caused by ''Enterobacter'' involves strict adherence to [[infection control]] practices in healthcare settings. This includes proper hand hygiene, sterilization of medical equipment, and isolation of infected patients when necessary.
-==Prevention==
+==Related pages==
-Prevention of Enterobacter infections in healthcare settings involves adherence to strict infection control practices, including hand hygiene, the use of sterile techniques during invasive procedures, and the appropriate use of antibiotics to reduce the selection of resistant strains.
+* [[Escherichia coli]]
+* [[Klebsiella]]
+* [[Salmonella]]
+* [[Proteus (bacterium)|Proteus]]
-[[Category:Bacteria]]
 [[Category:Enterobacteriaceae]]
 [[Category:Gram-negative bacteria]]
-{{medicine-stub}}
+[[Category:Pathogenic bacteria]]