Eikenella is a type of bacteria that can be found in the human mouth. Its name is pronounced as /aɪˌkɛnˈɛlə/ or "eye-ken-EL-uh". The "Ei" combination is pronounced as "eye" rather than "ee" due to the influence of the German language, as Eikenella was first isolated in Germany. The second syllable is stressed, indicated by the apostrophe in the IPA transcription. The final "a" is pronounced as "uh" rather than "ah" due to the Latin origin of the suffix "-ella".
Eikenella is a genus of bacteria belonging to the family Neisseriaceae. The genus is named after Eiken, which is the Japanese word for oak, as the bacteria were originally isolated from the oral cavity of a Japanese oak tree. Eikenella species are facultatively anaerobic, gram-negative rods which are commonly found in the oral flora of humans.
These bacteria are considered to be commensal, meaning that they typically coexist in harmony with their human host and do not cause any harm. However, under certain circumstances, Eikenella species can become opportunistic pathogens. They may cause infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals or those with underlying medical conditions.
Eikenella infections most commonly manifest as skin and soft tissue infections, particularly in areas of trauma or injury. These may include bite wounds, such as human or animal bites, as Eikenella is known for its association with bite infections. Other potential sites of infection include respiratory tract, joints, bones, and the central nervous system.
Diagnosing Eikenella infections typically involves isolating and identifying the bacteria from clinical samples. Treatment usually involves antibiotics that are effective against gram-negative bacteria.
Overall, Eikenella is a genus of bacteria that is typically harmless and found in the oral flora of humans. However, in certain situations, it can cause infections, particularly in skin and soft tissues, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems.
The word "Eikenella" is derived from combining two elements: "Eiken", which refers to the name of a person, and "ella", meaning small. This name was chosen to honor Dr. Shigeru Eiki, a Japanese microbiologist who discovered the bacteria in 1958. The term "Eikenella" is used to classify a genus of bacteria within the family Neisseriaceae, specifically Eikenella corrodens, which is associated with various infections in humans.