Escherichia fergusonii

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia


Escherichia fergusonii is a species of bacteria in the genus Escherichia, which is part of the family Enterobacteriaceae. It is a Gram-negative bacterium that is closely related to the well-known Escherichia coli. E. fergusonii was first described in 1985 and is named after the microbiologist William Ferguson.

Morphology and Physiology[edit | edit source]

Escherichia fergusonii is a rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium. It is facultatively anaerobic, meaning it can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen. Like other members of the genus Escherichia, it is motile due to the presence of flagella.

The bacterium is oxidase negative and catalase positive, which are key characteristics used in its identification. It can ferment glucose and other carbohydrates, producing acid and gas as metabolic byproducts.

Genomic Characteristics[edit | edit source]

The genome of Escherichia fergusonii is similar to that of E. coli, but there are distinct differences that justify its classification as a separate species. The genome size is approximately 4.8 million base pairs, and it contains a variety of genes responsible for antibiotic resistance, virulence, and metabolism.

Habitat and Ecology[edit | edit source]

Escherichia fergusonii is commonly found in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals, including humans. It has also been isolated from various environmental sources such as water, soil, and food.

Pathogenicity[edit | edit source]

Although Escherichia fergusonii is not as well-studied as E. coli, it has been implicated in a number of infections in humans and animals. It can cause urinary tract infections, wound infections, and bacteremia. The pathogenic mechanisms are thought to be similar to those of E. coli, involving adhesion, invasion, and toxin production.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Escherichia fergusonii is of clinical interest due to its potential to cause disease and its antibiotic resistance profiles. It is often resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics, which complicates treatment. Clinical laboratories may misidentify E. fergusonii as E. coli due to their phenotypic similarities, which can impact the management of infections.

Laboratory Identification[edit | edit source]

Identification of Escherichia fergusonii in the laboratory involves a combination of biochemical tests, molecular techniques, and mass spectrometry. It can be differentiated from E. coli by its inability to ferment lactose and its unique biochemical profile.

Prevention and Control[edit | edit source]

Preventing infections caused by Escherichia fergusonii involves standard hygiene practices, proper food handling, and sanitation. In healthcare settings, infection control measures are important to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains.

Research Directions[edit | edit source]

Ongoing research is focused on understanding the genetic basis of Escherichia fergusonii pathogenicity and resistance. Studies are also exploring its role in the microbiome and its potential use in biotechnology.

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD