Enterobacter cloacae subsp. cloacae ATCC 13047

Enterobacter cloacae subsp. cloacae ATCC 13047 is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives at mesophilic temperatures, classified as a chemoheterotroph and facultative anaerobe. This organism is part of the Enterobacter genus, typically found in various environments, including soil, water, and the intestinal tracts of humans and animals. As a gram-negative organism, E. cloacae exhibits a characteristic cell wall structure that consists of a thin peptidoglycan layer sandwiched between two membranes. This feature not only influences its staining properties but also contributes to its resistance against certain antibiotics. The rod shape of the bacterium allows it to navigate efficiently through various environments, and its mesophilic temperature preference indicates an optimal growth range of approximately 30-37°C, aligning with human body temperatures, which is significant for its role in human health and disease. Being a chemoheterotroph, E. cloacae derives its energy from organic compounds, which it breaks down through metabolic processes. Its classification as a facultative anaerobe means it can survive in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, utilizing oxygen when available but also capable of fermentative metabolism in its absence. This adaptability is a critical factor in its survival within diverse ecosystems, including the human gastrointestinal tract where it can be found as part of the normal flora. E. cloacae is increasingly recognized for its role in nosocomial infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients or those with medical devices. It has been linked to urinary tract infections and respiratory tract infections, often demonstrating resistance to multiple antibiotics due to its possession of mobile genetic elements. Moreover, some strains have been studied for their potential in bioremediation, showcasing their ability to metabolize pollutants, thereby highlighting their ecological significance.