Flavobacterium species

An aerobic, oxidase-positive, gram-negative bacillus that produces a bright yellow pigmented colony. They are found in raw meat, poultry, vegetables, dairy products, soil and water. A significant source of infections include heated and unheated nebulizers, water baths, sink faucets, distilled water lines, dental chair spray units, and cold humidifiers. Flavobacteria are rarely isolated from humans. They have been associated with epidemic situations involving outbreaks of meningitis in hospital neonatal nurseries.

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