This document summarizes characteristics of the Enterobacteriaceae family of gram-negative bacteria. Key points include:
- They are facultative anaerobes that ferment glucose with acid and gas production, are cytochrome oxidase negative, and reduce nitrate to nitrite.
- Common genera include Escherichia, Salmonella, Klebsiella, and Proteus.
- They inhabit intestinal tracts and can cause infections like UTIs, pneumonia, and diarrhea. Identification tests examine reactions on media like TSI, MAC, and EMB that differentiate lactose fermentation.