Citrobacter

Citrobacter is a genus of bacteria that includes various species, some of which can impact human health and cause disease. Here is an overview of how Citrobacter interacts with human health:

1. Antibiotic resistance: Citrobacter species are known to develop antibiotic resistance, making treatment more challenging. Some strains produce enzymes – known as extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) – which can break down antibiotics like penicillins and cephalosporins, meaning that some people may need to use other types of antibiotics only available in hospitals.¹Liu L, Zhang L, Zhou H, Yuan M, Hu D, Wang Y, Sun H, Xu J, Lan R. Antimicrobial Resistance and Molecular Characterization of Citrobacter spp. Causing Extraintestinal Infections. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2021 Aug 27;11:737636. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.737636.
2. Opportunistic infections: Some Citrobacter species, such as C. freundii and C. koseri, can cause opportunistic infections, primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals or people with underlying health conditions. These infections can involve the urinary tract, respiratory system, bloodstream, or, in rare cases, the brain.²Metri BC, Jyothi P, Peerapur BV. Antibiotic resistance in Citrobacter spp. isolated from urinary tract infection. Urol Ann. 2013 Oct;5(4):312-3. doi: 10.4103/0974-7796.120295.³Liu HW, Chang CJ, Hsieh CT. Brain abscess caused by Citrobacter koseri infection in an adult. Neurosciences (Riyadh). 2015 Apr;20(2):170-2. doi: 10.17712/nsj.2015.2.20140749.⁴Ariza-Prota MA, Pando-Sandoval A, García-Clemente M, Fernández R, Casan P. Community-Acquired Pneumonia and Empyema Caused by Citrobacter koseri in an Immunocompetent Patient. Case Rep Pulmonol. 2015;2015:670373. doi: 10.1155/2015/670373.
3. Neonatal meningitis: Citrobacter koseri is a known cause of neonatal meningitis, a severe brain infection that can result in complications like brain abscesses and long-term neurological issues. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.⁵Rodrigues J, Rocha D, Santos F, João A. Neonatal Citrobacter koseri Meningitis: Report of Four Cases. Case Rep Pediatr. 2014;2014:195204. doi: 10.1155/2014/195204.

In summary, understanding and addressing the risks associated with the presence of Citrobacter species in your microbiome sample is vital for protecting the delicate balance of your gut microbial ecosystem.

Where to find Citrobacter in the Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test

You will find your Citrobacter scores in the “Pathogens” report in your Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test results. Guidance on how to work with pathogens like Citrobacter will be featured in your Personal Action Plan. Please note that this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP or other qualified health provider if you have any questions about Citrobacter.

Synonyms: Citrobacter freundii, Citrobacter koseri, Citrobacter species

Important disclaimer

The Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Handbook is an educational resource built to translate complex science into plain English. The information provided on this page is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Always check with your GP for interactions with medications/health conditions before changing your diet or starting to take food supplements.

References

• 1
  Liu L, Zhang L, Zhou H, Yuan M, Hu D, Wang Y, Sun H, Xu J, Lan R. Antimicrobial Resistance and Molecular Characterization of Citrobacter spp. Causing Extraintestinal Infections. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2021 Aug 27;11:737636. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.737636.
• 2
  Metri BC, Jyothi P, Peerapur BV. Antibiotic resistance in Citrobacter spp. isolated from urinary tract infection. Urol Ann. 2013 Oct;5(4):312-3. doi: 10.4103/0974-7796.120295.
• 3
  Liu HW, Chang CJ, Hsieh CT. Brain abscess caused by Citrobacter koseri infection in an adult. Neurosciences (Riyadh). 2015 Apr;20(2):170-2. doi: 10.17712/nsj.2015.2.20140749.
• 4
  Ariza-Prota MA, Pando-Sandoval A, García-Clemente M, Fernández R, Casan P. Community-Acquired Pneumonia and Empyema Caused by Citrobacter koseri in an Immunocompetent Patient. Case Rep Pulmonol. 2015;2015:670373. doi: 10.1155/2015/670373.
• 5
  Rodrigues J, Rocha D, Santos F, João A. Neonatal Citrobacter koseri Meningitis: Report of Four Cases. Case Rep Pediatr. 2014;2014:195204. doi: 10.1155/2014/195204.

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