Epidemiologic perspectives on Enterobacter for the infection control professional

Am J Infect Control. 1994 Aug;22(4):195-201. doi: 10.1016/0196-6553(94)90067-1.

Abstract

Enterobacter species have emerged as important nosocomial pathogens. Common reservoirs for these organisms include wounds and the gastrointestinal, urinary, and respiratory tracts. Enterobacter bacteremia typically occurs in patients with long-standing underlying illnesses who received antimicrobial agents before their bacteremia. The wide use of broad-spectrum antibiotics has contributed to the increased prominence of Enterobacter infections. Enterobacter species have a propensity to emerge resistant to the antibiotic therapy administered. Plasmid analysis, restriction endonuclease analysis of total cellular DNA, pulsed-field electrophoresis, and ribotyping can be valuable in investigating the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacteremia / epidemiology
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology*
  • Cross Infection / microbiology
  • Drug Resistance, Microbial
  • Enterobacter* / drug effects
  • Enterobacter* / genetics
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / epidemiology*
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / trends*
  • Infection Control Practitioners
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents