Eikenella corrodens is a gram-negative bacterium often found in the human oral cavity. The phonetic transcription for the spelling is /ˌaɪkəˈnɛlə ˌkɒrəˈdɛnz/, with stress placed on the second syllable of each word. The "e" in "Eikenella" is pronounced like the "i" in "slide," while the "i" in "corrodens" is pronounced like the "o" in "world." The correct spelling of this word is crucial in the medical field as misspelling can lead to misinterpretation and potentially disastrous outcomes.
Eikenella corrodens is a species of gram-negative bacteria belonging to the family Neisseriaceae. This bacterium is considered an anaerobic, non-motile, and pleomorphic rod-shaped bacterium. It is typically found in the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract of humans and is associated with dental plaque and periodontal disease.
Eikenella corrodens was initially identified as a pathogen in oral infections, including periodontal abscesses and dental caries. However, it is now known to cause a wide range of infections and can be found in other sites of the body, such as the respiratory tract, skin, soft tissues, and joints. Infections caused by Eikenella corrodens usually occur as a result of mixed infections with other bacteria.
This bacterium possesses several unique characteristics. It derives its name 'corrodens' from its ability to corrode agar medium, which can be observed as small pits or erosions in the agar surface. Eikenella corrodens can also produce a distinctive fruity or bleach-like odor due to the metabolic activity of certain enzymes it releases.
Overall, Eikenella corrodens is an opportunistic pathogen that primarily affects individuals with compromised immune systems or predisposing conditions. It is clinically significant in various types of infections and its identification is important for appropriate antibiotic therapy. Additionally, its potential role in mixed infections highlights the importance of considering Eikenella corrodens in the diagnosis and treatment of infections.
The word "Eikenella corrodens" is derived from its scientific nomenclature.
The genus name, "Eikenella", is named after the Danish bacteriologist Jens Christian Eikenaar, who first identified and described the bacterium in 1958. It is tradition in bacteriology to name new bacterial genera after the scientists who made significant contributions to their discovery.
The species name, "corrodens", comes from the Latin word "corrodo", meaning "I corrode" or "I erode". This is because Eikenella corrodens has the ability to corrode or erode tissue and has been implicated in various clinical infections, especially in the oral cavity.
Therefore, the term "Eikenella corrodens" combines the name of the bacteriologist who discovered the species with a descriptive term referring to its ability to corrode tissues, reflecting its characteristics as a bacterium.