Enterobacter Bacteria Essay

In 1960, Hormaeche and Edwards discovered a type of bacteria, which became known as Enterobacter. The name was chosen as a way to describe the general location of where this bacteria is normally found. The prefix enteron- translates to the word intestinal. So the name literally means intestinal bacteria. The Enterobacter genus of bacteria are bacillus in shape and are approximately 0.6 – 1.0 µm wide by 1.2 – 3.0 µm long (Bergey). Enterobacter species are gram negative, facultative anaerobes, which are usually motile by way of peritrichous flagellum (Bergey). The Enterobacter genus is part of the Bacteria Domain, the Proteobacteria Phylum, and the Gammaproteobacteria Class. It is of the Enterobacteriales Order and the Enterobacteriaceae Family. There are only five species, but only two are human pathogens (Bergey). These opportunistic pathogens are Enterobacter aerogenes and Enterobacter cloacae. Enterobacter bacteria are naturally found living in soil, water, and food. These bacteria are considered part of the normal intestinal flora. There are many different ways to acquire this bacteria. One possible way is by fingernail biting. With more surfaces being touched, it increases the amount of bacteria that can accumulate underneath the nail bed. As the person bites their fingernail, they are actually inoculating themselves …show more content…
Usually, outbreaks occur in burn units, surgical wards, and intensive care units (Tian, Yu and Ibrahim). Enterobacter cloacae has been one particular pathogen that is becoming a causative agent for many outbreaks in neonatal intensive care units. The neonates are born with relatively “sterile” intestinal tracts (Gbaguidi- haore, Talon and Thouverez). Once those neonates are introduced to their environment, they begin to build their flora. Therefore, an opportunistic pathogen, such as E. cloacae, could cause serious infections for these susceptible