Chryseobacterium Related Genera Infections☆

Chryseobacterium and related genera consist of bacteria previously classified in the genus Flavobacterium. All are gram-negative aerobic nonfermenting bacilli. The genus Flavobacterium, as it is currently defined, contains no pathogenic species. The former flavobacteria-like organisms that are potential human pathogens include those currently classified in the genera Chryseobacterium, Elizabethkingia, Myroides, Empedobacter, and Sphingobacterium. These are rare opportunistic pathogens of low virulence that may occasionally be involved in severe infections. Elizabethkingia meningoseptica, formerly Chryseobacterium meningosepticum, is the most important pathogen, particularly in neonatal meningitis. Infection is typically from an environmental source.