Hancea

Hancea is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae. These bacteria are typically rod-shaped and motile, possessing peritrichous flagella. Hancea species are facultative anaerobes, meaning they can grow in the presence or absence of oxygen.

Hancea was first proposed as a genus in 2011 by Albert et al., based on phylogenetic analyses and biochemical characteristics that distinguished it from other closely related genera within the Enterobacteriaceae. The genus is named in honor of Raymond Hance, a prominent figure in microbial taxonomy.

Hancea species have been isolated from a variety of sources, including clinical specimens and environmental samples. While some species are considered to be opportunistic pathogens, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, others are thought to be primarily environmental.

Identification of Hancea species typically involves a combination of phenotypic tests, such as biochemical assays, and genotypic methods, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The differentiation of Hancea from other closely related genera can be challenging, requiring careful analysis of both phenotypic and genotypic data.

Research into Hancea is ongoing, with studies focused on understanding the diversity of species within the genus, their pathogenic potential, and their role in various ecosystems. As more information becomes available, the taxonomy and classification of Hancea may be further refined.