Enterobacter

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

• Escherichia coli
• Klebsiella
• Salmonella
• Proteus