Eikenella corrodens: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 05:38, 16 February 2025

A bacterium commonly found in the human oral cavity and upper respiratory tract

Eikenella corrodens is a Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacterium that is part of the normal flora of the human oral cavity and upper respiratory tract. It is known for its role in human infections, particularly in cases involving the head and neck region.

Characteristics[edit]

Eikenella corrodens is a non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium. It is characterized by its ability to "pit" or "corrode" agar surfaces, which is a distinctive feature used in its identification. The bacterium is oxidase-positive and catalase-negative, and it does not ferment carbohydrates.

Pathogenicity[edit]

Although Eikenella corrodens is part of the normal flora, it can become pathogenic under certain conditions. It is often associated with infections following human bites or fistfights, where it can be introduced into deeper tissues. It is also implicated in periodontal disease, endocarditis, and infections of the respiratory tract.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Eikenella corrodens is an opportunistic pathogen. Infections are more common in individuals with compromised immune systems or those with underlying health conditions. It is often resistant to many common antibiotics, making treatment challenging. However, it is generally susceptible to penicillin and other beta-lactam antibiotics.

Laboratory Identification[edit]

In the laboratory, Eikenella corrodens can be identified by its characteristic growth on blood agar, where it produces a "bleach-like" odor. The colonies are small, grayish, and may cause pitting of the agar surface. Biochemical tests, such as oxidase and catalase tests, are used to confirm its identity.

Prevention and Control[edit]

Preventing infections caused by Eikenella corrodens involves maintaining good oral hygiene and promptly treating any wounds that may be contaminated with oral flora. In healthcare settings, proper sterilization and infection control practices are essential to prevent nosocomial infections.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Eikenella corrodens''' is a [[Gram-negative bacteria|Gram-negative]], [[facultative anaerobic bacteria|facultative anaerobic]], [[rod-shaped bacteria|rod-shaped]] bacterium that is commonly found in the human mouth. It is a member of the [[HACEK organisms|HACEK group]], which is a group of fastidious Gram-negative bacteria that are an unusual cause of [[infective endocarditis|endocarditis]].
+{{Short description|A bacterium commonly found in the human oral cavity and upper respiratory tract}}
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Eikenella corrodens
+| image = Eikenella_corrodens.jpg
+| image_caption = Eikenella corrodens colonies on agar
+| domain = Bacteria
+| phylum = Proteobacteria
+| classis = Betaproteobacteria
+| ordo = Neisseriales
+| familia = Neisseriaceae
+| genus = ''Eikenella''
+| species = '''''E. corrodens'''''
+| binomial = ''Eikenella corrodens''
+}}
-== Characteristics ==
+'''''Eikenella corrodens''''' is a Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacterium that is part of the normal flora of the human oral cavity and upper respiratory tract. It is known for its role in human infections, particularly in cases involving the head and neck region.
-Eikenella corrodens is oxidase-positive and catalase-negative. It is non-motile and does not form spores. The bacterium is known for its characteristic "bleach-like" odor when cultured. It is also capable of corroding the agar surface when grown in a laboratory setting, which is the origin of its species name, "corrodens".
+==Characteristics==
+''Eikenella corrodens'' is a non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium. It is characterized by its ability to "pit" or "corrode" agar surfaces, which is a distinctive feature used in its identification. The bacterium is oxidase-positive and catalase-negative, and it does not ferment carbohydrates.
-== Pathogenesis ==
+==Pathogenicity==
+Although ''Eikenella corrodens'' is part of the normal flora, it can become pathogenic under certain conditions. It is often associated with infections following human bites or fistfights, where it can be introduced into deeper tissues. It is also implicated in periodontal disease, endocarditis, and infections of the respiratory tract.
-Eikenella corrodens is a part of the normal flora of the human mouth and upper respiratory tract. However, it can cause disease when it enters the bloodstream, often as a result of trauma or surgery. It is a common cause of [[human bite infections]], along with other oral bacteria. It can also cause other types of infections, including [[endocarditis]], [[brain abscesses]], [[pneumonia]], and [[osteomyelitis]].
+==Clinical Significance==
+''Eikenella corrodens'' is an opportunistic pathogen. Infections are more common in individuals with compromised immune systems or those with underlying health conditions. It is often resistant to many common antibiotics, making treatment challenging. However, it is generally susceptible to penicillin and other beta-lactam antibiotics.
-== Treatment ==
+==Laboratory Identification==
+In the laboratory, ''Eikenella corrodens'' can be identified by its characteristic growth on blood agar, where it produces a "bleach-like" odor. The colonies are small, grayish, and may cause pitting of the agar surface. Biochemical tests, such as oxidase and catalase tests, are used to confirm its identity.
-Eikenella corrodens is usually susceptible to many antibiotics, including [[penicillin]], [[ampicillin]], [[cephalosporins]], and [[fluoroquinolones]]. However, it is resistant to [[macrolides]] and [[clindamycin]]. Treatment usually involves a combination of surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy.
+==Prevention and Control==
+Preventing infections caused by ''Eikenella corrodens'' involves maintaining good oral hygiene and promptly treating any wounds that may be contaminated with oral flora. In healthcare settings, proper sterilization and infection control practices are essential to prevent nosocomial infections.
-== Epidemiology ==
+==Related pages==
+* [[Periodontal disease]]
+* [[Endocarditis]]
+* [[Opportunistic infection]]
+* [[Gram-negative bacteria]]
-Eikenella corrodens is found worldwide and affects people of all ages. However, it is most commonly seen in adults with poor oral hygiene or those with underlying medical conditions that affect the immune system.
+[[Category:Neisseriaceae]]
-== See also ==
-* [[HACEK organisms]]
-* [[Infective endocarditis]]
-* [[Human bite infections]]
-[[Category:Bacteria]]
 [[Category:Gram-negative bacteria]]
-[[Category:Human flora]]
 [[Category:Oral microbiology]]
-{{bacteria-stub}}
-{{medicine-stub}}