What Is Microbiology - Enterococcus Faecalis Infection

​Enterococcus faecalis infection 

Enterococcus faecalis is gram positive cocci with catalase negative properties. Enterococcus faecalis is a Lancefield group D with the ability to hydrolyze esculin. 

The common mode of transmission is fecal oral route or via endogenous route.

Enterococcus faecalis may lead to endocarditis mostly in damaged valves of the heart, bacteremia (  peritoneal and vascular catheter as a source of infection ) and urinary tract infection. Urinary tract infection is associated with indwelling catheter as a source of infection.

Enterococcus faecalis normally present in the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary tract and in the intra abdominal wounds.

Enterococcus faecalis is resistant to multiple forms of antibiotics.  

The treatment of enterococcus faecalis infection may include vancomycin, aminoglycosides and ampicillin ( cell wall active antibiotics).