Enterococcus | |
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Enterococcus sp. infection in lung tissue | |
Scientific classification | |
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Order: | Lactobacillales
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Family: | Enterococcaceae
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Genus: | Enterococcus
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Enterococcus is a genus of lactic acid bacteria of the phylum Firmicutes.
Enterococci are Gram-positive cocci that often occur in pairs or short chains. They look like streptococci.[1] Two species are regular gut flora organisms in the intestines of humans: E. faecalis (90-95%) and E. faecium (5-10%).
Enterococci are "facultative anaerobic organisms". This means they can live in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments.[2]
Members of the genus Enterococcus were classified as Group D Streptococcus until 1984. Genomic DNA analysis showed they were a separate genus.[3]
Important infections caused by Enterococcus include urinary tract infections, bacterial endocarditis, diverticulitis, and meningitis.
Sensitive strains of these bacteria can be treated with ampicillin, penicillin and vancomycin.[4] Urinary tract infections can be treated by antibiotics, but many virulent strains of Enterococcus are resistant. From a medical standpoint, an important feature of this genus is the high level of intrinsic antibiotic resistance. This rules out some important antibiotics.[5]