Enterobacter
Enterobacter: A Versatile Gram-Negative Pathogen
Introduction
Enterobacter is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae. These bacteria are widely distributed in various environments, including soil, water, and the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. Enterobacter species are known for their ability to cause a wide range of infections, particularly in hospitalized patients.
Description
Enterobacter bacteria are typically rod-shaped, non-motile, and facultative anaerobes. They possess a thick cell wall composed of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which contributes to their resistance to antibiotics. Enterobacter species produce a variety of virulence factors, including fimbriae, adhesins, and toxins, that enable them to adhere to host cells and evade immune defenses.
Associated Diseases
Enterobacter species can cause a variety of infections, including:
- Pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Intra-abdominal infections
- Bloodstream infections
- Meningitis
Enterobacter infections are particularly common in hospitalized patients who are critically ill or immunocompromised. The bacteria can spread through the environment via contaminated medical devices, hands of healthcare workers, or the respiratory tract.
Did you Know ?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Enterobacter species are responsible for approximately 3% of all hospital-acquired infections in the United States.
