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Enterococcus faecalis: implications for host health

The microbiota represents a crucial area of research in maintaining human health due to its potential for uncovering novel biomarkers, therapies, and molecular mechanisms relevant to population identification and experimental model characterization. Among these microorganisms, Enterococcus faecalis, a Gram-positive bacterium found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals, holds particular significance. Strains of this bacterial species have sparked considerable debate in the literature due to their dual nature; they can either be utilized as probiotics in the food industry or demonstrate resistance to antibiotics, potentially leading to severe illness, disability, and death.

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 From the Friend to the Foe—Enterococcus faecalis Diverse Impact on the Human Immune System

Enterococcus faecalis is a multifaced bacteria. ne hand, it can be a commensal with a positive impact on the functioning of GI tract microflora (among others) and quite an effective probiotic. On the other side, it can be responsible for many highly complicated infections, especially in those already immunocompromised by underlying conditions and their treatment or age.

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Enterococcus (E. Faecalis & E. Faecium)

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Enterococcus faecalis (bacterium incl. VRE)

The Gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis bacterium can be observed singly, in pairs or in chains, and belongs to the Enterococcaceae family. Being similar in morphology and structure, it had formerly been classified as Streptococcus. The bacterium can utilise both aerobic and anaerobic cellular respiration pathways. Enterococcus faecalis may cause catheter-associated urinary tract infection or wound infection. Enterococcus faecalis can be resistant to aminopenicillins, glycopeptides, vancomycin and teicoplanin (= VRE, vancomycin-resistant enterococci) and increasingly also to new antibiotics such as cephalosporines or fluoroquinolones. The main transmission path is direct or indirect contact with contaminated persons or objects.

Enterococcus faecalis: A Comprehensive Guide

It is a commensal bacterium found in the GI tract (gastrointestinal tract) of humans. It is also found in the vaginal tract of some females as commensal. However, it is frequently reported in several nosocomial infections including urinary tract infections, wound and soft-tissue infections, bloodstream infections, endocarditis, meningitis, etc.

Study Led by Michael Gilmore, PhD, Identifies Pathway for how Enterococcus Faecalis Bacteria Causes Antibiotic-Resistant Infection

The research team hopes the novel findings on how enterococci infect the bloodstream will help scientists and physicians develop new ways to prevent these infections from happening, and to better treat them when they occur.

The controversial role of Enterococcus faecalis in colorectal cancer

Among the enterococci that colonize the GI tract, the most prevalent cultured strain found in human feces is E. faecalis. E. faecalis is the first colonizer of the human GI tract and has a major impact on intestinal immune development in the very early stages of life.

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Microbe Wild

Enterococcus faecalis causes many of the antibiotic resistant infections in hospitals, a consequence of its inherent resistance to certain antibiotics and of its ability to survive and proliferate in the intestinal tract. The genetic basis of the resistance seen in E. faecalis is not well known, this research attempts to identify a cause of the resistance.

Trends in Microbiology

Under specific conditions, including antibiotic-induced dysbiosis and severe inflammatory diseases in the GI tract, E. faecalis has been reported to translocate across the GI tract, leading to systemic infections, including bacteremia, peritonitis, and endocarditis. In the hospital setting, E. faecalis is responsible for various infections, including surgical site infections and CAUTIs.