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🦠microbiology review

Enterococcus faecalis

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Enterococcus faecalis is a Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic bacterium that is a common inhabitant of the human gastrointestinal tract. It is a significant cause of urinary tract infections and other nosocomial infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Enterococcus faecalis is a leading cause of urinary tract infections, particularly in hospitalized patients and individuals with underlying medical conditions.
  2. It is intrinsically resistant to many common antibiotics, including cephalosporins and aminoglycosides, making it a challenging pathogen to treat.
  3. Enterococcus faecalis can form biofilms, which are communities of bacteria that adhere to surfaces and are more resistant to antimicrobial agents.
  4. Infections with Enterococcus faecalis are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
  5. Effective prevention and control of Enterococcus faecalis infections often require a multifaceted approach, including proper hand hygiene, antimicrobial stewardship, and infection control measures.

Review Questions

  • Describe the key features of Enterococcus faecalis that contribute to its role as a significant urinary tract pathogen.
    • Enterococcus faecalis is a Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic bacterium that is a common resident of the human gastrointestinal tract. Its ability to cause urinary tract infections is attributed to several factors, including its intrinsic resistance to many antibiotics, its capacity to form biofilms that adhere to surfaces, and its propensity to infect immunocompromised individuals. These characteristics make Enterococcus faecalis a challenging pathogen to treat, particularly in healthcare settings where it can cause nosocomial infections.
  • Explain the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and infection control measures in managing Enterococcus faecalis infections.
    • Effective prevention and control of Enterococcus faecalis infections often require a multifaceted approach that includes proper hand hygiene, antimicrobial stewardship, and infection control measures. Antimicrobial stewardship programs aim to optimize the use of antibiotics, reducing the development of antibiotic resistance, which is a significant concern with Enterococcus faecalis. Infection control measures, such as proper disinfection of medical equipment and implementation of isolation protocols, can help limit the spread of Enterococcus faecalis infections, particularly in healthcare settings where these bacteria are commonly encountered. By adopting these strategies, the impact of Enterococcus faecalis infections can be mitigated, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
  • Analyze the potential consequences of Enterococcus faecalis infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients, and discuss the importance of early detection and appropriate treatment.
    • Infections with Enterococcus faecalis can have serious consequences, especially in immunocompromised patients. These bacteria are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as they can cause a range of infections, including urinary tract infections, bacteremia, endocarditis, and other life-threatening conditions. Early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial, as Enterococcus faecalis is intrinsically resistant to many common antibiotics, making it challenging to eradicate. Delayed or inappropriate antibiotic therapy can lead to the development of further antibiotic resistance, prolonged hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Recognizing the risk factors and clinical manifestations of Enterococcus faecalis infections, as well as implementing effective infection control measures, are essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of these nosocomial infections.