Preface

Enterobacteriaceae are a large family of Gram-negative, non-sporing bacilli. These bacteria are a part of the natural flora of animals including humans, but some pathogenic species are associated with intestinal and extra-intestinal diseases. They are a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and diarrhea and can enter the bloodstream causing life-threatening complications. Antibiotic resistance is also expressed as a common characteristic among enterobacteria globally, as UTIs and recurrent UTIs are associated with significant use of antibiotics promoting multidrug resistance. These bacteria can synthesize several enzymes such as extendedspectrum β-lactamases, carbapenemases, metallo-β- lactamases, and many others. It is hard to treat the strains that are resistant to antibiotics due to the cause of recurrent and untreatable infections.

This book describes important enterobacteria including *Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Salmonella, Proteus, Shigella, Serratia, Enterobacter, Citrobacter*, and other species. Chapters address the identification, classification, and pathogenicity of enterobacteria as well as the role of pathogenic enterobacteria in infection including UTIs and food poisoning. Its presence in wild animals is also discussed. To overcome the problem of antibiotic resistance, alternative treatment strategies like bacteriophages are gaining popularity. As such, this book also examines the role of bacteriophages in the management of UTIs caused by enterobacteria.

Written by experts from all over the world, this book provides a comprehensive overview of enterobacteria and their pathogenesis, virulence factors, and treatment strategies as well as their link to multi-drug resistance. It is a useful resource for medical microbiologists, clinicians, researchers, and students interested in the study of enterobacteria.

I would like to wholeheartedly thank all the authors for their excellent contributions. I am also grateful to Author Service Manager Sara Debeuc and the staff at IntechOpen for their concern and encouragement in publishing this book.

> **Dr. Sonia Bhonchal Bhardwaj** Senior Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Dr. Harvansh Singh Judge Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India

**1**

Section 1

*Escherichia Coli*

Section 1
