From the Research
Enterobacteriaceae is a large family of gram-negative bacteria that includes many clinically significant pathogens, and their taxonomy is essential for proper identification in clinical settings, as different genera and species have varying antibiotic resistance patterns and pathogenic potential, as highlighted in a recent study 1. The family is taxonomically organized into various genera, with the most important clinical genera being Escherichia, Klebsiella, Salmonella, Shigella, Proteus, Enterobacter, Serratia, Citrobacter, Yersinia, and Morganella. These bacteria share common characteristics including being facultative anaerobes, non-spore forming, rod-shaped, and typically motile with peritrichous flagella (except for Klebsiella and Shigella which are non-motile). Some key features of Enterobacteriaceae include:
- Being facultative anaerobes
- Non-spore forming
- Rod-shaped
- Typically motile with peritrichous flagella (except for Klebsiella and Shigella which are non-motile)
- Fermenting glucose
- Reducing nitrates
- Being oxidase-negative Taxonomically, they are classified based on biochemical properties, antigenic structure, DNA hybridization, and 16S rRNA sequencing. Recent taxonomic revisions have led to reclassification of some genera based on molecular phylogenetic analyses, as discussed in a study on the impact of carbapenemases on antimicrobial development and therapy 2. Understanding this taxonomy is crucial for proper identification in clinical settings, as different genera and species have varying antibiotic resistance patterns and pathogenic potential, and the emergence of resistance to cephalosporins and carbapenems in Gram-negative bacterial pathogens is a significant concern 3. The evolution of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemases in Enterobacteriaceae has also been a major concern, with the production of β-lactamases being a key mechanism of resistance 4. In clinical practice, it is essential to prioritize the identification of Enterobacteriaceae and their antibiotic resistance patterns to guide appropriate treatment and prevent the spread of resistant strains, as emphasized in a study on the mechanisms of resistance in Enterobacteriaceae towards beta-lactamase antibiotics 5.