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Enterobacter is a type of bacterium associated with healthcare-related infections. There are currently 22 species of Enterobacter, though not all species cause disease in humans.
There are six species of Enterobacter assigned to the Enterobacter cloacae complex:
- Enterobacter cloacae
- Enterobacter asburiae
- Enterobacter hormaechei
- Enterobacter kobei
- Enterobacter ludwigii
- Enterobacter nimipressuralis
Enterobacter species are responsible for causing many infections in healthcare settings, such as:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Respiratory infections
- Soft tissue infections
- Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
- Heart infection (endocarditis)
What Are Symptoms of Enterobacter cloacae Complex?
Symptoms of Enterobacter infections may include:
- Fever
- Pneumonia
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Painful urination
- Urinary frequency
- Urinary urgency
- Inflammation throughout the body (systemic inflammatory response, or SIRS)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Elevated white blood cell count (leukocytosis)
- Shock
What Causes Enterobacter cloacae Complex?
Enterobacter cloacae complex is caused by infection with one of the six species of Enterobacter assigned to the Enterobacter cloacae complex.
Infection with an Enterobacter species can occur from:
- Direct or indirect contact with contaminated persons or objects
- Contaminated infusion solutions or blood products
Risk factors that predispose a person to infection with Enterobacter species:
- Prolonged recent use of antibiotics
- Immunocompromised states, such as cancer and diabetes
- Admission to the intensive care unit (ICU)
- Recent hospitalization or invasive procedure
- Presence of invasive medical devices
How Is Enterobacter cloacae Complex Diagnosed?
Enterobacter cloacae complex infections are diagnosed with blood cultures.
Other laboratory studies used to diagnose Enterobacter cloacae complex infections include:
- Gram stain
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Complete metabolic panel
- Urinalysis with culture
Imaging studies may also be needed in some cases.
What Is the Treatment for Enterobacter cloacae Complex?
Enterobacter cloacae complex infections are treated with antibiotics; however, many species are resistant to certain antibiotics. Types of antibiotics used to treat Enterobacter cloacae complex infections may include:
- Carbapenems
- Beta-lactams
- Beta-lactamase inhibitors
- Fluoroquinolones
- Aminoglycosides
- Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
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https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2019.00044/full
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/768204_1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559296/