Difference Between Enterobacter Cloacae & Enterobacter Sakazakii

Enterobacter is a genus of bacteria commonly found in nature. Some species of enterobacter are saprophytic, that is they feed on dead organic matter, some live in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and are harmless and others are potent pathogens for humans. The "Journal of Clinical Microbiology" reports that certain enterobacter species are common nosocomial microbes, especially in intensive care units. There is also a link between enterobacter species and infections of orthopedic implants, such as hip replacements,

Enterobacter Cloacae

• Enterobacter cloacae is a frequent cause of respiratory and urinary tract infections especially in hospitalized patients

  Enterobacter cloacae is gram negative, so it can easily develop resistance to antibiotics using various defense mechanisms, and has a rod shape. It is also the most common pathogen in clinical settings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that enterobacter cloacae is a very important pathogenic organism with significant morbidity and mortality.

Enterobacter Sakazakii

• Premature infants and neonates with low birth weight have a higher risk of infection with enterobacter sakazakii.

  Enterobacter sakazakii, or yellow-pigmented enterobacter cloacae, was recognized as a separate species in 1980. It shares certain characteristics with enterobacter cloacae, and is also gram negative with a rod shape. Enterobacter sakazakii infection causes a very serious form of meningitis and necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates, though there are rare cases of adult infection. Identification of any environmental source of infection has been unsuccessful and neonatal infection has been linked to ingestion of contaminated dried-infant formula. Mortality ranges from 40 percent to 80 percent.

Differences

• Enterobacter clocae and enterobacter sakazakii both belong to the enterobacter genus and are potent pathogenic organisms. However, they are very different bacteria. Enterobacter clocae commonly causes urinary and respiratory tract infections, though there are reports of E. clocae endocarditis, chronic prostatitis and bacteremia. Enterobacter sakazakii is a rare cause of sporadic outbreaks of infection in neonates which usually manifest as bacterial meningitis.

Risk Factors

• Risks for enterobacter clocae include a hospital stay longer than two weeks, recent invasive procedures, the presence of a central venous line and antibiotic use within the previous 30 days. Risks for enterobacter sakazakii infection include premature birth, age of less than a week, hospitalization and non-sterile intake of infant formula.