Kerstersia

Kerstersia is a genus of bacteria from the family of Alcaligenaceae. The genus was first described in 1996 and named after the Belgian microbiologist Karel Kersters. The bacteria are Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, and rod-shaped. They are known to cause human infections, particularly in patients with chronic underlying conditions.

Taxonomy

The genus Kerstersia belongs to the family Alcaligenaceae, in the order Burkholderiales, of the class Betaproteobacteria. The genus was first described in 1996 by Coenye et al. and was named in honor of the Belgian microbiologist Karel Kersters, who made significant contributions to the taxonomy of Gram-negative bacteria.

Characteristics

Kerstersia bacteria are Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, and rod-shaped. They are oxidase-positive and catalase-positive. The bacteria are capable of reducing nitrate to nitrite. They are also capable of growing in the presence of bile salts.

Pathogenicity

Kerstersia species have been isolated from various human clinical samples, indicating their potential as opportunistic pathogens. They have been associated with infections in the respiratory tract, urinary tract, and wounds, particularly in patients with chronic underlying conditions such as cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Treatment

Treatment of Kerstersia infections typically involves the use of antibiotics. However, some strains have shown resistance to certain antibiotics, making treatment challenging. Therefore, accurate identification and susceptibility testing of Kerstersia isolates are crucial for effective treatment.

See also

• List of bacterial genera named after personal names
• List of bacteria genera