Are E. coli (Escherichia coli) examples of Gram-negative bacilli?

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Last updated: April 10, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

No, eBay is not an example of gram-negative bacilli. eBay is an online marketplace and e-commerce platform where people can buy and sell goods. Gram-negative bacilli are a category of bacteria characterized by their rod-shaped (bacillus) appearance and their inability to retain crystal violet dye during the Gram staining procedure due to their thin peptidoglycan layer and outer lipopolysaccharide membrane.

Key Characteristics of Gram-Negative Bacilli

  • Rod-shaped appearance
  • Thin peptidoglycan layer
  • Outer lipopolysaccharide membrane
  • Inability to retain crystal violet dye during Gram staining Examples of gram-negative bacilli include:
  • Escherichia coli (E. coli)
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae
  • Salmonella
  • Helicobacter pylori These bacteria are clinically significant as they can cause various infections and some possess resistance to antibiotics due to their outer membrane structure, which can block certain antimicrobial agents from penetrating the cell, as discussed in 1.

From the Research

Gram-Negative Bacilli

  • Gram-negative bacilli are a type of bacteria that have a gram-negative cell wall, which means they do not retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure 2.
  • Examples of gram-negative bacilli include Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii, which are commonly associated with bacteremia 2.
  • These bacteria can cause a range of infections, including urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections 3, 4, 5, 6.

Characteristics of Gram-Negative Bacilli

  • Gram-negative bacilli have a number of characteristics that make them well-suited to causing infection, including the ability to produce capsules, adhesins, and toxins 2.
  • They are also able to develop resistance to antibiotics, which can make treatment challenging 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • The prevalence of efflux pump genes, which are associated with biocide resistance, has been observed in some gram-negative bacilli, including Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae 3.

eBay and Gram-Negative Bacilli

  • There is no evidence to suggest that eBay is an example of a gram-negative bacillus 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • eBay is an e-commerce platform, not a type of bacteria.
  • The studies provided do not mention eBay in relation to gram-negative bacilli or any other type of bacteria.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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