enterobakteri

Enterobacteriaceae, commonly known as enterobacteri, are a large family of Gram-negative bacteria that are widely distributed in the environment, including soil, water, and the intestinal tracts of animals and humans. This family includes several significant genera such as Escherichia, Salmonella, Shigella, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Citrobacter.

Many enterobacteri are part of the normal intestinal flora and play beneficial roles in digestion and nutrient absorption. However, some species are pathogenic and can cause a variety of infections such as urinary tract infections, gastroenteritis, septicemia, and neonatal meningitis. The pathogenicity of these bacteria is often associated with the production of virulence factors like toxins, capsules, and enzymes that facilitate infection and immune evasion.

Enterobacteriaceae are characterized by their ability to ferment glucose and typically reduce nitrates to nitrites. They are facultative anaerobes, capable of surviving in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-deprived environments. Laboratory identification usually involves culture on selective media, followed by biochemical testing to determine specific species.

Antibiotic resistance among enterobacteri is a growing concern, particularly with the emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenem-resistant strains. These resistance mechanisms complicate the treatment of infections caused by these bacteria and pose significant public health challenges.

In medical contexts, controlling the spread of pathogenic enterobacteri involves stringent hygiene, proper food handling, and judicious use of antibiotics. Research continues to focus on understanding their virulence mechanisms and resistance patterns to develop better diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic strategies.