Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026

Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Published on: March 3, 2023
Intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms in enterococcus
Brian L Hollenbeck1, Louis B Rice
1Department of Medicine, Lifespan/Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
Enterococci exhibit significant antibiotic resistance, posing a threat in hospitals. This review covers resistance mechanisms in Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis and explores treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Enterococci are increasingly recognized as significant nosocomial pathogens.
- The genus Enterococcus displays a broad intrinsic and acquired resistance to antibiotics.
- This resistance poses challenges for treating infections caused by these bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis.
- To discuss current and potential treatment options for enterococcal infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of antibiotic resistance mechanisms in enterococci.
- Analysis of intrinsic and acquired resistance determinants.
- Discussion of clinical treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Enterococci possess diverse mechanisms for antibiotic resistance, including intrinsic and acquired genes.
- Horizontal gene transfer plays a crucial role in spreading resistance determinants.
- Specific resistance profiles vary between Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis.
Conclusions:
- Understanding enterococcal resistance mechanisms is vital for effective treatment.
- Novel therapeutic approaches are needed to combat multidrug-resistant enterococci.
- Prudent antibiotic use is essential to mitigate the spread of resistance.
More Related Videos
08:19Generating Transposon Insertion Libraries in Gram-Negative Bacteria for High-Throughput Sequencing
Published on: July 7, 2020
05:06Characterizing Multidrug Efflux Systems in Acinetobacter baumannii Using an Efflux-Deficient Bacterial Strain and a Single-Copy Gene Expression System
Published on: January 5, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Development of Antibiotic Resistance
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
Colonisation of Pathogens
Defense Mechanism Against Infection
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...