Citrobacter gillenii

Citrobacter gillenii

Citrobacter gillenii

Citrobacter gillenii is a species of gram-negative bacteria belonging to the genus Citrobacter. It was first identified and named by Farmer et al. in 1981. This bacterium is commonly found in various environmental sources, including soil, water, and sewage. It is also known to colonize the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals.

Taxonomy

Citrobacter gillenii is a member of the family Enterobacteriaceae and the genus Citrobacter. The species name "gillenii" is derived from the name of the scientist, Dr. Gillen, who contributed significantly to the understanding of this bacterium.

Morphology and Physiology

Citrobacter gillenii is a rod-shaped bacterium with a length of approximately 1-3 μm and a width of 0.5-1 μm. It is a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can survive in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. This bacterium is motile due to the presence of peritrichous flagella, which enable it to move in liquid environments.

Pathogenicity

Citrobacter gillenii is considered an opportunistic pathogen, meaning it primarily affects individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions. It has been associated with various infections, including urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, bloodstream infections, and wound infections. However, it is important to note that Citrobacter gillenii is generally less virulent compared to other species within the Citrobacter genus.

Antibiotic Resistance

Citrobacter gillenii has shown resistance to multiple antibiotics, including beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides. This resistance can be attributed to the acquisition of resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains poses a significant challenge in the treatment of Citrobacter gillenii infections.

Prevention and Control

Preventing Citrobacter gillenii infections involves implementing proper hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, especially in healthcare settings. Additionally, the appropriate use of antibiotics and infection control measures can help reduce the spread of this bacterium.

See Also

• Citrobacter
• Gram-negative bacteria
• Opportunistic pathogen