Elizabethkingia meningoseptica
Elizabethkingia meningoseptica (pronunciation: e-liz-a-beth-king-ia men-in-go-sep-ti-ca) is a Gram-negative bacterium that is commonly found in the environment, particularly in water and soil. It was first identified by American bacteriologist Elizabeth O. King in 1959, hence the name Elizabethkingia.
Etymology
The genus Elizabethkingia is named after Elizabeth O. King, who first described the bacterium. The species name meningoseptica is derived from the Greek words meningos (membrane) and septikos (putrefactive), referring to the bacterium's ability to cause meningitis and other severe infections.
Infections
Elizabethkingia meningoseptica is known to cause a variety of infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. These include meningitis, septicemia, pneumonia, and neonatal sepsis. The bacterium is resistant to multiple antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat.
Treatment
Treatment of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica infections typically involves a combination of antibiotics, including rifampicin, minocycline, and levofloxacin. However, the bacterium's high level of antibiotic resistance often necessitates the use of newer, more potent antibiotics.
Prevention
Prevention of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica infections primarily involves good hygiene practices, particularly in healthcare settings. This includes regular hand washing, sterilization of medical equipment, and isolation of infected patients.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Elizabethkingia meningoseptica
- Wikipedia's article - Elizabethkingia meningoseptica
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