What are enteric bacteria?

Enteric bacteria are bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family. These bacteria normally reside in the guts of many animals, including humans, and some are pathogenic, causing disease in certain animal species. Many cases of food poisoning are caused by infection with enteric bacteria, as are some more serious conditions, such as plague. One of the most famous members of the family is Escherichia coli a bacterium that has been extensively studied in laboratories around the world.

These bacteria are rod-shaped at magnification, and are also Gram negative. Many are anaerobic, a trait that allows them to thrive in the environment of the gut, and most produce energy by feeding on sugars and converting them to lactic acid. Some of the members of this family can live in the intestine without causing health problems in healthy people, while others almost always cause signs of infection, including vomiting, diarrhea, and related symptoms.

At least 40 genera have been identified in this family, including Salmonella, Proteus, Serratia, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Pseudomonas Y Klebsiella . People usually become infected with enteric bacteria as a result of poor hygiene and contact with people who have existing infections. Cooking food thoroughly can often prevent infections, as can observing basic handwashing protocols and maintaining a clean environment in the kitchen and around the bathroom.

In addition to being found in the guts of humans, enteric bacteria also live in animals, including animals that humans raise for meat and products like eggs and milk. Cross-contamination of animal products can occur, allowing these bacteria to enter the food supply. Thanks to the extensive distribution method used by many companies in the industry, it is possible for enteric bacteria to spread throughout the region as products are shipped to various supermarkets, restaurants, and packaged food facilities. This can make outbreaks difficult to identify and control.

Some enteric bacteria can be controlled with the use of antibiotics and other drugs that attack bacteria in the intestine. However, the widespread use of antibiotics in both people and animals used for food has led to the development of antibiotic resistance, in which bacteria have been allowed to develop the ability to survive even high doses of antibiotics. antibiotics. E. coli in particular, it has developed a series of very virulent strains that have caused concern in the medical community, since some of these strains cannot be treated with the drugs available on the market.

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