Enterobacteriaceae

Enterobacteriaceae is a large family of Gram-negative, rod-shaped (bacilli) bacteria in the order Enterobacterales, class Gammaproteobacteria. They are characterized by their facultatively anaerobic metabolism, ability to ferment glucose, and presence of various antigens (O, H, K) used in serotyping. Members of this family are ubiquitous in nature, commonly found as commensals in the intestines of animals, but several genera—such as Escherichia, Klebsiella, Salmonella, Shigella, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Proteus, Serratia, and Yersinia—are important human pathogens causing a broad range of community-acquired and healthcare-associated infections, including urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal disease, pneumonia, and sepsis. Increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance, especially carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), presents significant therapeutic challenges.

Other names

Enteric bacteriaEnterobacteria

Disruption of bacterial cell wall synthesis (β-lactam antibiotics, e.g. cephalosporins, carbapenems); Inhibition of DNA replication (fluoroquinolones); Inhibition of protein synthesis (aminoglycosides); Disruption of folate metabolism (sulfonamides)