Gram negative

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Gram-negative bacteria are a group of bacteria that are classified by the color they turn after a chemical process called Gram staining is used on them. Gram-negative bacteria stain red when this process is used. Other types of bacteria, called Gram-positive bacteria, stain blue.

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

Gram-negative bacteria have a thin layer of peptidoglycan, a sugar and amino acid substance that provides a supportive net-like structure. This thin layer is located between an inner cell membrane and an outer cell membrane. The outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria is often associated with endotoxins that can cause fever, inflammation, shock, and other symptoms.

Examples[edit | edit source]

Examples of Gram-negative bacteria include Escherichia coli, which can cause food poisoning and urinary tract infections, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which causes gonorrhea. Other examples include Salmonella, Shigella, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Gram-negative bacteria are more resistant to antibiotics than Gram-positive bacteria. This is because their outer membrane acts as a barrier, protecting them from substances that could harm them, including antibiotics. However, certain antibiotics, such as aminoglycosides and quinolones, can treat infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria.

See also[edit | edit source]

Gram negative Resources
Wikipedia
Medicine-stub.png
This article is a stub related to medicine. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD