From the Research
The family Enterobacteriaceae is a large and diverse group of Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria that belongs to the order Enterobacterales, with recent studies suggesting it may be divided into seven or more separate families 1.
Overview of Enterobacteriaceae
The taxonomy of Enterobacteriaceae has undergone significant revisions in recent years based on molecular phylogenetic analyses. Major genera within this family include Escherichia (with E. coli being the most well-known species), Salmonella, Shigella, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Serratia, Proteus, Yersinia, and Erwinia.
Characteristics of Enterobacteriaceae
These bacteria are facultative anaerobes that can ferment glucose, are oxidase-negative, and catalase-positive. Most members are motile with peritrichous flagella, though some are non-motile. Enterobacteriaceae are widely distributed in nature, found in soil, water, plants, and the intestinal tracts of humans and animals.
Clinical Significance
Many species are commensal organisms in the human gut, while others are significant pathogens causing diseases ranging from mild gastroenteritis to severe systemic infections. The taxonomy continues to evolve as genomic sequencing provides new insights into the evolutionary relationships within this diverse bacterial family.
Recent Findings
A recent study published in 2021 in the journal Clinical Microbiology Reviews discusses the changing face of the family Enterobacteriaceae, highlighting new members, taxonomic issues, geographic expansion, and new diseases and disease syndromes 1. Another study from 2021 published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine found that nearly 13% of febrile urinary tract infections requiring hospitalization were caused by third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, and initial empiric therapy was often discordant with antimicrobial susceptibility testing 2.
Management and Treatment
The management and treatment of Enterobacteriaceae infections depend on the specific species, disease, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. A study published in 2021 in the journal Microbial Drug Resistance found that restriction of third-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones may help decrease the incidence and resistance rates of extended-spectrum β-lactamases Klebsiella pneumoniae 3.
Key Points
- The family Enterobacteriaceae is a large and diverse group of Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria.
- The taxonomy of Enterobacteriaceae is constantly evolving based on molecular phylogenetic analyses.
- Enterobacteriaceae are widely distributed in nature and can cause a range of diseases in humans and animals.
- Recent studies have highlighted the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment of Enterobacteriaceae infections.