What Does Enterobacter cloacae Complex Mean?

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 

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 

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. 

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