Pathogens
Enterobacter cloacae complex

Enterobacter cloacae complex

Precautions

Routine Practices

General Information

Facultative anaerobic fermenting encapsulated Gram-negative bacillus of the Enterobacterales order.

Naturally found in the environment (soil, water, sewage). 5-36% of healthy individuals may have colonization of the gastrointestinal tract, and less frequently of the nasopharynx. Increased colonization seen with healthcare exposure.

Global distribution. Transmission by person-to-person contact or contact with environment.

Nosocomial infections:

  • Hospital-acquired pneumonia
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Wound infections
  • Catheter-associated urinary tract infections
  • Central-line associated bloodstream infections