Enterobacteriaceae (family)

Enterobacteriaceae is a large family of Gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria within the order Enterobacterales. Members are typically facultative anaerobes that ferment glucose and reduce nitrates. They are found widely in nature—especially as commensals in the intestines of humans and animals—but also include many important pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Proteus spp., among others. These organisms can cause a range of diseases from mild gastroenteritis to life-threatening sepsis or hospital-acquired infections. Many species have developed significant antibiotic resistance mechanisms—including extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and carbapenemases—posing major therapeutic challenges worldwide. The group is defined by shared biochemical features but is not itself a single molecular target; rather it encompasses numerous genera with diverse pathogenic mechanisms. Note: The term "Enterobacteriaceae family bacteria" refers to an entire bacterial family—not a specific molecule, receptor, enzyme, transporter, or other canonical drug target. Therefore: is_target: false is_incorrect: true This entry represents too broad a category for use as a molecular drug target; structured information should be collected at the level of individual species (E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, etc.) or specific proteins/enzymes within those organisms rather than at the whole-family level.

Other names

Enteric bacteriaEnterobacteriaGram-negative enteric bacilli

For antibiotics targeting this family’s members: - Inhibition of cell wall synthesis (beta-lactams/cephalosporins) - Inhibition of DNA gyrase/topoisomerase IV (fluoroquinolones) - Inhibition of protein synthesis at ribosomal subunits (aminoglycosides) Note: Specific drugs depend on the genus/species and resistance profile.