What is Enterococcus durans?

Enterococcus durans is a lactic acid bacteria that is commonly found in the human gastrointestinal tract, as well as in various foods and the environment. It is a gram-positive, non-motile, facultatively anaerobic bacterium that is able to produce lactic acid through the fermentation of carbohydrates. Here are some key facts about Enterococcus durans:

1. Taxonomy and Characteristics: Enterococcus durans is a member of the genus Enterococcus, which is a diverse group of lactic acid bacteria that are commonly found in various environments including the human gut, soil, water, and food products. The species Enterococcus durans is characterized by its ability to grow in the presence of high salt concentrations and its resistance to vancomycin, a common antibiotic.
2. Role in the gut microbiome: Like other members of the genus Enterococcus, Enterococcus durans is a commensal bacterium that is typically found in the human gastrointestinal tract. It has been shown to play a role in maintaining gut homeostasis, modulating the immune system, and preventing colonization by pathogenic bacteria.
3. Probiotic potential: Given its role in the gut microbiome and its potential health benefits, Enterococcus durans has been investigated as a potential probiotic. Some studies have shown that the administration of Enterococcus durans can improve gut health, reduce inflammation, and enhance the immune response.
4. Food applications: Enterococcus durans is commonly found in various fermented foods, including dairy products, sausages, and vegetables. It is also commonly used as a starter culture in the production of fermented foods such as cheese and sourdough bread.
5. Safety concerns: While Enterococcus durans is generally considered safe and is commonly found in various foods, there have been some concerns about its potential pathogenicity. Some strains of Enterococcus durans have been shown to possess virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes, which could pose a risk to human health.

In conclusion, Enterococcus durans is a common member of the human gut microbiome and has been shown to have potential health benefits as a probiotic. It is also commonly found in various foods and is used as a starter culture in the production of fermented foods. However, safety concerns do exist regarding its potential pathogenicity and further research is needed to fully understand its role in human health.

References:

1. Franz, C. M. A. P., Holzapfel, W. H., & Stiles, M. E. (Eds.). (2014). Enterococci in Foods. Springer.
2. Lee, S., Lee, H., Lee, S., & Kim, J. (2019). Enterococcus durans HDL-2 inhibits the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition via modulation of Snail expression and suppression of TGF-β1 signaling pathway. Journal of Functional Foods, 57, 1-8.
3. Liu, Y., & Li, J. (2021). Probiotic Enterococcus durans NCIMB 30168 modulates gut microbiota and intestinal inflammation in weaned piglets. BMC Microbiology, 21(1), 1-11.
4. Mundy, L. M., Sahm, D. F., & Gilmore, M. S. (2000). Relationship between Enterococcal Virulence and Antibiotic Resistance. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 13(4), 513–522.
5. Zommiti, M., Feuilloley, M. G. J., & Connil, N. (2019). Enterococcus durans: Biological and technological aspects. Journal of