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Enterococcus Virulence and Resistant Traits Associated with Its Permanence in the Hospital Environment

Catarina Geraldes1,2, Luís Tavares1,2, Solange Gil1,2,3

  • 1Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. da Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal.

Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 27, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Enterococcus bacteria are opportunistic pathogens causing hospital-acquired infections due to antibiotic resistance and virulence factors. This review highlights their survival and dissemination capabilities, leading to difficult-to-treat infections.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical microbiology
  • Infectious diseases
  • Bacterial pathogenesis

Background:

  • Enterococcus species are significant opportunistic pathogens.
  • They are a major cause of hospital-acquired infections.
  • Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are of particular clinical concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the characteristics of Enterococcus that contribute to their clinical importance.
  • To highlight antibiotic resistance, virulence factors, and survival mechanisms.
  • To discuss their role in hospital-acquired infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on Enterococcus.
  • Analysis of antibiotic resistance mechanisms.
  • Evaluation of virulence factors, including biofilm formation.
  • Assessment of genetic exchange capabilities.
  • Review of biocide susceptibility.

Main Results:

  • Enterococci exhibit intrinsic and extrinsic antibiotic resistance.
  • Vancomycin resistance is a significant clinical challenge.
  • Biofilm formation and genetic exchange enhance survival.
  • Reduced susceptibility to biocides is reported.
  • These factors contribute to prolonged survival in hospital environments.

Conclusions:

  • Enterococci possess multiple traits enabling survival and dissemination in healthcare settings.
  • Their adaptability contributes to difficult-to-treat infections.
  • Understanding these characteristics is crucial for infection control.
Keywords:
Enterococcusantibiotic resistancebiocide resistancevirulence factors

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