Elizabethkingia

Definition

Elizabethkingia is a genus of Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, non-motile, aerobic bacteria that are commonly found in the environment, including soil, water, and the skin microbiota. This genus is named after Elizabeth O. King, the microbiologist who first identified and characterized these bacteria.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Elizabethkingia species are commonly found in the environment, particularly in soil, water, and on the human skin, but are not typically associated with human disease in healthy individuals.
2. Certain Elizabethkingia species, such as Elizabethkingia anophelelis, have been linked to infections in immunocompromised patients, including sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia.
3. Elizabethkingia infections are rare but can be challenging to treat due to the bacteria's intrinsic resistance to many commonly used antibiotics.
4. The presence of Elizabethkingia on the skin is generally considered part of the normal skin microbiota and does not typically cause harm in healthy individuals.
5. Elizabethkingia species are known to produce various enzymes and secondary metabolites that may play a role in their environmental adaptations and interactions with other microorganisms.

Review Questions

• Describe the key characteristics of Elizabethkingia bacteria that contribute to their presence in the skin microbiota.
  • Elizabethkingia are Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, and aerobic bacteria that are commonly found in the environment, including soil, water, and on the human skin. Their ability to thrive in these diverse environments, as well as their intrinsic resistance to many antibiotics, allows them to be part of the normal skin microbiota without typically causing harm in healthy individuals. The bacteria's production of various enzymes and secondary metabolites may also play a role in their environmental adaptations and interactions with other microorganisms on the skin.
• Explain the potential risks associated with Elizabethkingia infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
  • While Elizabethkingia are generally considered part of the normal skin microbiota and do not typically cause illness in healthy individuals, certain species, such as Elizabethkingia anophelelis, have been linked to serious infections in immunocompromised patients. These infections can include sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia, and can be challenging to treat due to the bacteria's intrinsic resistance to many commonly used antibiotics. Patients with weakened immune systems, such as those with underlying health conditions or receiving immunosuppressive therapies, are at a higher risk of developing Elizabethkingia infections, which can be life-threatening if not properly managed.
• Analyze the role of the skin microbiota, including Elizabethkingia, in maintaining skin health and immune function.
  • The skin microbiota, which includes Elizabethkingia as part of the normal bacterial community, plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health and immune function. The diverse array of microorganisms on the skin help to prevent the overgrowth of potentially pathogenic species, compete for resources, and produce metabolites that can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Additionally, the skin microbiota interacts with the host's immune system, helping to train and regulate immune responses, and contributing to the overall homeostasis of the skin. While Elizabethkingia are not typically associated with disease in healthy individuals, their presence as part of the normal skin microbiota may contribute to these important functions, highlighting the complex and delicate balance of the skin's microbial ecosystem.

Related terms

Gram-negative bacteria: Bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet dye used in the Gram staining procedure, indicating the presence of a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane in their cell walls.

Skin microbiota: The diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that naturally reside on the human skin and play a role in maintaining skin health and immune function.

Opportunistic pathogen: A microorganism that can cause disease in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions, but typically does not cause illness in healthy individuals.