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Enteric Bacterial Invasion Of Intestinal Epithelial Cells In Vitro Is Dramatically Enhanced Using a Vertical Diffusion Chamber Model
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Pathogenicity of the enterococcus in surgical infections

P S Barie1, N V Christou, E P Dellinger

  • 1Department of Surgery, Cornell University, New York, New York.

Annals of Surgery
|August 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Enterococcus bacteria are increasingly virulent, posing risks to vulnerable surgical patients. Prompt antibacterial therapy for enterococcal infections, especially bacteremia, is crucial for reducing mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Surgical Infections
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Enterococcus is often underestimated in surgical infection pathogenesis.
  • Surgical patients are increasingly vulnerable due to immunosuppression and potent antibiotics.
  • Rising prevalence and virulence of Enterococcus necessitate re-evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To reconsider the role of Enterococcus in surgical infections.
  • To highlight the need for specific antibacterial therapy in compromised surgical patients.
  • To emphasize the importance of treating enterococcal bacteremia.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on Enterococcus prevalence and virulence.
  • Analysis of Enterococcus-related infections in surgical settings.
  • Evaluation of current therapeutic strategies and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Enterococcus causes diverse nosocomial infections (wound, intra-abdominal, UTI, etc.).
  • Compromised surgical patients require specific antibacterial treatment for Enterococcus.
  • Parenteral antibiotic therapy for enterococcal bacteremia is mandatory and reduces mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Enterococcus is a significant opportunistic pathogen in surgical patients.
  • Specific antibiotic therapy is essential for managing enterococcal infections in vulnerable populations.
  • Timely and appropriate treatment of enterococcal bacteremia improves patient survival.

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