Enterococcus faecalis and faecium
Epidemiology
- found in large numbers in the colon, (ie 107 / gram of stool) and in the genitourinary tract
Classification and Characteristics
- gram positive cocci arranged in pairs or short chains
- facultatively anaerobic
- grow in presence of 6.5% NaCl and 40% bile
Virulence Factors
- no serious virulence factors, though antibiotic resitance is of serious concern
- adhesion factors mediate binding to host
Transmission and Infection
- most human infectionsa re from patient's own flora
- can also be transferred person-to-person or through consumption of contaminated food or water
Clinical Manifesations
- as many strains are completely resistant to antibiotics, enterococci are a leading cause of nosocomial infections
- urinary tract infections and sepsis are most common
- endocarditis is a severe complication
- found in intra-abdominal absecesses and wounds, though their significance is not clear
Diagnosis
Treatment
