Enterobacteriaceae: A Bacterial Family Worth Watching

Enterobacteriaceae is a large group of bacterial species which includes Citrobacter, Escherichia, Klebsiella, and Salmonella. The defining feature of the group is a component of their cell wall called Hexa-LPS which causes a strong immune response if it enters the blood. Low levels of Enterobacteriaceae are common in adults and will not usually cause harm but they can increase after a gastrointestinal illness or a course of antibiotics. They are a common cause of infections when they manage to colonize other parts of the body, such as the urinary tract, and may be implicated in gut inflammation and irritable bowel syndrome [1] [2].

We consider low to undetectable levels of Enterobacteriaceae to be optimal. The best way to combat Enterobacteriaceae is to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria that will outcompete them for resources. (Adapted from Tiny Health)