Enterobacter cloacae in the urinary tract and vagina

Commensal of the human gut, can be a pathogen in the urinary tract and respiratory tract, in particular in anyone who is in hospital or immune-compromised^​1,2​. Found in hospitals as a pathogen. Is known to cause infections in soft tissue, heart, abdomen, eyes, bones, and others.

Contracted via skin, urinary tract or digestive tract, or by cross-contamination. Also found on fruit and vegetables, and devices like hot water systems. Used as a tool for biological control of some insects and pests and plant diseases.

Grows best at body temperature (37 °C). Non-spore-forming. Enterobacteriaceae family. Forms biofilms, secretes cytotoxins (enterotoxins, hemolysins, pore-forming toxins)^​3​.

Has two cell membranes (gram-negative). The outer membrane, endotoxins (lipid-A from the lipopolysaccharide) cause sepsis. Lipid-A causes the release of inflammatory cytokines, which may allow endotoxins to enter tissues and blood.

Beta-lactamase, an enzyme, is responsible for antibiotic resistance and is unable to be detected in the lab. Multiple drug resistance, can be difficult to treat. ^​4​

Ferments glucose, happy in anaerobic or aerobic environments. Opportunistic pathogen.

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