Enterobacter Cloacae Symptoms

Enterobacter cloacae is an opportunistic type of bacteria that causes disease after the host immune system has been weakened by other infections or injury. It can cause a number of problems, including skin, respiratory, and urinary infections; septic arthritis, and inflammation of the heart valves. The bacteria are found in human and animal droppings, soil, and water. Symptoms of Enterobacter cloacae infections vary depending on the person and the location of the infection.

Urinary

• Enterobacter cloacae infections that target the bladder and urinary tract may cause pain or an uncomfortable pressure. Many people suffering from a urinary infection with Enterobacter cloacae complain of a frequent urge to urinate, pain or burning while urinating, and reduced urine flow. In severe cases, the infection may move to the kidneys.

Respiratory

• This bacteria can also attack the respiratory system, causing breathing problems and pneumonia. Patients with respiratory Enterobacter cloacae suffer from shortness of breath, yellow sputum (phlegm), fevers and heavy coughing. Interestingly, pneumonia caused by this bacteria often makes patients feel less ill than pneumonia caused by other bacteria, but has a surprisingly high mortality rate.

Cardiac

• Enterobacter cloacae may also infect the inner surface of the heart valves, or endocardia, causing new heart murmurs, weight loss, coughing, and fevers. People with this type of infection may feel extremely tired, especially when they exercise. They may also have bloody urine, and problems associated with insufficient blood circulation. This kind of infection almost always happens in addition to an existing heart problem, like a damaged valve or blood clot.

Septic Arthritis

• When Enterobacter cloacae enters a joint, it can produce a form of arthritis. This is most likely to happen if the bacteria is already in the blood stream and is carried to the joint, or if it enters the body from an injury near the joint. Symptoms are sudden, and include severe pain as the bacteria attack the joint, swelling, fever and chills. Pain may appear to spread to nearby areas. The joint may be warm and sore to the touch.