Enterobacter cloacae: Difference between revisions

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'''Enterobacter cloacae''' is a species of [[bacteria]] that is part of the normal [[gut flora]] in the [[intestine]]. It is also a common cause of [[infection]] in hospital settings, particularly in patients with weakened [[immune system]]s.
{{Short description|A species of Gram-negative bacteria}}


== Overview ==
[[File:Enterobacter_cloacae_01.png|thumb|right|Enterobacter cloacae under a microscope]]


Enterobacter cloacae is a [[Gram-negative bacteria|Gram-negative]], [[rod-shaped bacteria|rod-shaped]] bacterium. It is [[oxidase]] negative, [[catalase]] positive and [[urease]] positive. The bacterium is capable of fermenting [[lactose]] to produce [[gas]] and [[acid]] within 48 hours.
'''Enterobacter cloacae''' is a species of [[Gram-negative bacteria]] belonging to the family [[Enterobacteriaceae]]. It is a facultative anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium that is commonly found in the human [[gastrointestinal tract]], as well as in the environment, including soil and water.  


== Pathogenesis ==
==Characteristics==
Enterobacter cloacae is a motile bacterium, possessing peritrichous [[flagella]] that allow it to move. It is oxidase-negative and catalase-positive, and it can ferment a variety of carbohydrates, including glucose, lactose, and sucrose. The bacterium is known for its ability to grow at a wide range of temperatures, from 10°C to 45°C, and it can survive in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.


Enterobacter cloacae can cause a variety of infections, including [[urinary tract infection]]s, [[respiratory tract infection]]s, [[skin infection]]s, [[septicemia]], and others. The bacterium is resistant to many commonly used [[antibiotics]], making infections difficult to treat.
==Pathogenicity==
[[File:Enterobacter_cloacae_01.png|thumb|left|Colonies of Enterobacter cloacae on agar plate]]
Enterobacter cloacae is an opportunistic pathogen, meaning it can cause infections in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions. It is associated with a variety of infections, including [[urinary tract infections]], [[respiratory tract infections]], [[bacteremia]], and [[wound infections]]. In healthcare settings, it is a notable cause of [[nosocomial infections]], particularly in [[intensive care units]].


== Treatment ==
==Antibiotic Resistance==
Enterobacter cloacae has developed resistance to multiple antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat. It is known to produce [[beta-lactamase]] enzymes, which confer resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins and cephalosporins. The emergence of [[carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae]] (CRE) has raised significant concerns in the medical community, as these bacteria are resistant to many of the last-resort antibiotics.


Treatment of Enterobacter cloacae infections typically involves the use of [[antibiotics]]. However, the bacterium is resistant to many commonly used antibiotics, including [[ampicillin]], [[cephalosporin]]s, and others. Therefore, treatment often involves the use of more powerful antibiotics, such as [[carbapenem]]s.
==Clinical Significance==
In clinical settings, Enterobacter cloacae is often isolated from patients with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplantation. It is important for healthcare providers to identify and manage infections caused by this bacterium promptly to prevent complications.


== Prevention ==
==Prevention and Control==
 
Preventing infections caused by Enterobacter cloacae involves strict adherence to infection control practices in healthcare settings. This includes hand hygiene, proper sterilization of medical equipment, and isolation of infected patients when necessary. Monitoring antibiotic use and implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs are also crucial in controlling the spread of resistant strains.
Prevention of Enterobacter cloacae infections involves good [[hygiene]] practices, particularly in hospital settings. This includes regular hand washing, use of [[disinfectant]]s, and proper sterilization of medical equipment.
 
== See also ==


==Related pages==
* [[Enterobacteriaceae]]
* [[Enterobacteriaceae]]
* [[Hospital-acquired infection]]
* [[Gram-negative bacteria]]
* [[Nosocomial infection]]
* [[Antibiotic resistance]]
* [[Antibiotic resistance]]


[[Category:Bacteria]]
{{Bacteria}}
 
[[Category:Enterobacteriaceae]]
[[Category:Gram-negative bacteria]]
[[Category:Gram-negative bacteria]]
[[Category:Enterobacteriaceae]]
[[Category:Pathogenic bacteria]]
[[Category:Hospital-acquired infections]]
[[Category:Antibiotic resistance]]
 
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 16:25, 16 February 2025

A species of Gram-negative bacteria


Enterobacter cloacae under a microscope

Enterobacter cloacae is a species of Gram-negative bacteria belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae. It is a facultative anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium that is commonly found in the human gastrointestinal tract, as well as in the environment, including soil and water.

Characteristics[edit]

Enterobacter cloacae is a motile bacterium, possessing peritrichous flagella that allow it to move. It is oxidase-negative and catalase-positive, and it can ferment a variety of carbohydrates, including glucose, lactose, and sucrose. The bacterium is known for its ability to grow at a wide range of temperatures, from 10°C to 45°C, and it can survive in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

Pathogenicity[edit]

Colonies of Enterobacter cloacae on agar plate

Enterobacter cloacae is an opportunistic pathogen, meaning it can cause infections in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions. It is associated with a variety of infections, including urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, bacteremia, and wound infections. In healthcare settings, it is a notable cause of nosocomial infections, particularly in intensive care units.

Antibiotic Resistance[edit]

Enterobacter cloacae has developed resistance to multiple antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat. It is known to produce beta-lactamase enzymes, which confer resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins and cephalosporins. The emergence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) has raised significant concerns in the medical community, as these bacteria are resistant to many of the last-resort antibiotics.

Clinical Significance[edit]

In clinical settings, Enterobacter cloacae is often isolated from patients with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplantation. It is important for healthcare providers to identify and manage infections caused by this bacterium promptly to prevent complications.

Prevention and Control[edit]

Preventing infections caused by Enterobacter cloacae involves strict adherence to infection control practices in healthcare settings. This includes hand hygiene, proper sterilization of medical equipment, and isolation of infected patients when necessary. Monitoring antibiotic use and implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs are also crucial in controlling the spread of resistant strains.

Related pages[edit]