Enterobacter taylorae

Enterobacter taylorae is a Gram-negative bacterium belonging to the genus Enterobacter within the family Enterobacteriaceae. It is a member of the Gammaproteobacteria class and is known for its role in nosocomial infections.

Morphology and Physiology

Enterobacter taylorae is a rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium. It is motile due to the presence of peritrichous flagella. The bacterium is facultatively anaerobic, meaning it can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen. It ferments glucose and other carbohydrates, producing acid and gas as metabolic byproducts.

Biochemical Characteristics

Enterobacter taylorae is characterized by its ability to ferment lactose slowly. It is positive for the Voges-Proskauer test, indicating the production of acetoin from glucose fermentation. The bacterium is also positive for citrate utilization and urease production. It does not produce hydrogen sulfide and is negative for the methyl red test.

Pathogenicity

Enterobacter taylorae is an opportunistic pathogen, primarily associated with hospital-acquired infections. It can cause a variety of infections, including urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and bacteremia. The bacterium is often isolated from patients with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplantation.

Antibiotic Resistance

Enterobacter taylorae has been noted for its ability to develop resistance to multiple antibiotics. It is intrinsically resistant to ampicillin and cephalosporins due to the production of beta-lactamase enzymes. The bacterium can also acquire resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer, making treatment of infections challenging.

Epidemiology

Enterobacter taylorae is found in various environments, including soil, water, and the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. It is most commonly associated with healthcare settings, where it can be transmitted via contaminated medical equipment or through direct contact with infected individuals.

Prevention and Control

Preventing infections caused by Enterobacter taylorae involves strict adherence to infection control practices in healthcare settings. This includes proper hand hygiene, sterilization of medical equipment, and isolation of infected patients. Monitoring antibiotic use and implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs are also crucial in controlling the spread of resistant strains.

Laboratory Identification

In the laboratory, Enterobacter taylorae can be identified using a combination of biochemical tests and molecular techniques. The bacterium grows well on standard media such as MacConkey agar, where it forms pink colonies due to lactose fermentation. Molecular methods, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), can be used to confirm the identity of the bacterium by detecting specific genetic markers.

See Also

• Enterobacteriaceae
• Nosocomial infection
• Antibiotic resistance