Osteos

Osteos is a genus of bacteria belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae. These Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic rods are commonly found in the intestinal tracts of various animals, including birds, mammals, and reptiles. Osteos species are typically motile and ferment glucose but not lactose. While generally considered commensal organisms, some strains of Osteos can act as opportunistic pathogens, particularly in immunocompromised individuals or when introduced into sterile sites through trauma or surgery.

The genus Osteos was first described in 2004, consolidating several previously classified species from the genus *Enterobacter*. This reclassification was based on molecular phylogenetic studies. The name "Osteos" is derived from the Greek word for "bone," reflecting early observations of the bacteria's association with bone infections in some animal species. Research into Osteos has primarily focused on its role in animal health and its potential for zoonotic transmission, though human infections are relatively rare compared to other Enterobacteriaceae. Diagnostic identification typically involves standard microbiological culture and biochemical tests, often with molecular methods used for precise species identification and strain typing.