Enterobacter cloacae Structure and Physiology
This bacteria is a Gram-negative, rod shaped, facultative anaerobe commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans. It is not usually a primary pathogen although it is sometimes associated with urinary and respiratory tract infection.
Enterobacter cloacae Transmission and Disease
Enterobacter cloacae can be acquired through the skin, urinary tract, or gastrointestinal tract. Nosocomial infection, meaning the contraction of the germ from being hospitalized, is the most prevalent mode of transmission for this organism. This bacteria produces Beta-lactamases called cephalosporinases, which are chromosomally encoded. Endocarditis, intra abdominal infections, lower respitory tract infections, soft tissue infections, and bacteremia are examples of the various infections that E. cloacae could be responsible for. These infections can be hard to manage because of E. cloacae‘s multiple antibiotic resistances.
Enterobacter cloacae Disinfection
Although relatively susceptible to disinfection and desiccation when dried on a surface, E. cloacae can be a challenging microorganism to mitigate in solution.
Notes
E. cloacae infections have the highest mortality rate when compared to the rest of the Enterobacter genus.
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