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Colonization of the mammalian intestinal tract by enterococci

Leou Ismael Banla1, Nita H Salzman1, Christopher J Kristich2

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.

Current Opinion in Microbiology
|November 16, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Understanding how enterococci colonize the gut is key to preventing infections. Research reveals bacterial gene activity, genome changes, and host interactions are crucial for this colonization process.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Enterococci inhabit the mammalian gastrointestinal tract (GIT) but can cause healthcare-acquired infections.
  • Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are a significant public health concern due to antibiotic resistance.
  • GIT colonization is a prerequisite for enterococcal infections, necessitating research into colonization mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent research on the mechanisms of enterococcal gastrointestinal tract (GIT) colonization.
  • To understand how enterococci adapt and thrive within the complex GIT environment.
  • To identify factors contributing to enterococcal proliferation during antibiotic therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of diverse experimental models to study enterococcal GIT colonization.
  • Investigation of enterococcal transcriptional reprogramming within the GIT.
  • Examination of core genome contributions and genome plasticity in colonization.

Main Results:

  • Enterococci undergo significant transcriptional changes in the GIT.
  • Specific core genes and genome plasticity are vital for GIT colonization.
  • Intra-species and inter-species interactions modulate enterococcal colonization dynamics.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding enterococcal GIT colonization mechanisms is critical for infection control.
  • Bacterial adaptation, genetic factors, and microbial community interactions play key roles.
  • Targeting colonization pathways may offer novel strategies against enterococcal infections.

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