Gram Negative Bacteria
Transmission
Bacteria enter the body through :
urinary
ventilators
wounds
This can lead to pneumonia and such infections of the :
bloodstream
bones
joints
urinary tract
Treatment
Can be difficult because of several
unique features of this bacteria
For example, the unique nature
of their cell wall makes them resistant
to several antibiotics
Characteristics
Appear pinkish or red
High Lypopolysaccharides
Thin peptidoglycan
Prevention
Many infections occur through
cross contamination between people.
To reduce it, hand washing and having healthcare
workers wear gloves
Vaccines are not available for most healthcare-
associated caused by Gram negative bacteria.
Research
New drugs to combat Gram negative bacteria
infections are needed.
Researchers are unraveling the molecular
mechanisms of drug resistance
to identify novel strategies to
combat these pathogens
NIAID-funded researchers are exploring these related to
Gram negative bacteria and the diseases they cause.
The Mechanism & Function of Natural Competence
Gram Negative bacteria take up DNA
in two stages :
DNA uptake (across the outer membrane)
DNA translocation (across the
inner membrane)