Enterobacter aerogenes

Enterobacter aerogenes
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Bacteria
Phylum:	Proteobacteria
Class:	Gamma Proteobacteria
Order:	Enterobacteriales
Family:	Enterobacteriaceae
Genus:	Enterobacter
Binomial name
Enterobacter aerogenes

Lab Findings

Gram	−
Shape	rods
Hemolysis	-
Oxidase	−
Catalase	+
Indole	−
Citrate	+

Enterobacter aerogenes is a Gram-negative, oxidase negative, catalase positive, citrate positive, indole negative, rod-shaped bacterium.

E. aerogenes is a nosocomial and pathogenic bacterium that causes opportunistic infections including most types of infections. The majority are sensitive to most antibiotics designed for this bacteria class, but this is complicated by their inducible resistance mechanisms, particularly lactamase which means that they quickly become resistant to standard antibiotics during treatment, requiring change in antibiotic to avoid worsening of the sepsis.

Some of the infections caused by E. aerogenes result from specific antibiotic treatments, venous catheter insertions, and/or surgical procedures. E. aerogenes is generally found in the human gastrointestinal tract and does not generally cause disease in healthy individuals. It has been found to live in various wastes, hygienic chemicals, and soil. The bacterium also has some commercial significance – the hydrogen gas produced during fermentation has been experimented with using molasses as the substrate.

It may spoil maple sap and syrup.

External links

• Enterobacter Infections at eMedicine