June 10, 2023 3 min read
Enterococcus faecium is a Gram-positive bacterium that is commonly found in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals, as well as in soil and water. It is a facultative anaerobe, meaning that it can grow in the presence or absence of oxygen. While Enterococcus faecium is typically considered a commensal microbe, it has been associated with various infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals. In this article, we will discuss the characteristics of Enterococcus faecium, its potential benefits, and the possible health concerns associated with its presence in the gut.
Characteristics of Enterococcus faecium
Enterococcus faecium is a spherical bacterium that is approximately 0.5-1.0 μm in diameter. It is a member of the Enterococcaceae family and is closely related to other Enterococcus species, including Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus hirae, and Enterococcus durans. Enterococcus faecium is capable of surviving in a wide range of environmental conditions, including high salt concentrations and low pH levels. It is also resistant to several antibiotics, which has led to concerns about its potential role in antibiotic resistance.
Potential benefits of Enterococcus faecium
Despite its association with infections, Enterococcus faecium has been found to have some potential benefits when present in the gut. Here are a few potential benefits of Enterococcus faecium:
Health concerns associated with Enterococcus faecium
While Enterococcus faecium has potential benefits, it has also been associated with various infections. Here are some of the health concerns associated with Enterococcus faecium:
Overall, the presence of Enterococcus faecium in the gut can have both potential benefits and health concerns. Further research is needed to better understand the role of Enterococcus faecium in gut health and the risks associated with its presence.
References:
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Kühn, I., Iversen, A., Burman, L. G., Olsson-Liljequist, B., Franklin, A., Finn, M., & Aarestrup, F. M. (2000). Epidemiology and ecology of enterococci, with special emphasis on antibiotic resistant strains, in animals, humans and the environment—Example of an ongoing project within the European research programme. International journal of antimicrobial agents, 14(4), 337-342. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0924-8579(00)00145-1
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Chajęcka-Wierzchowska, W., Zadernowska, A., Nalepa, B., Sierpińska, M., & Laniewska-Trokenheim, Ł. (2012). Enterococcus spp.–from commensals to leading causes of drug resistant infections–are they still in the shadow of staphylococci?. Journal of microbiology and biotechnology, 22(5), 677-690. https://doi.org/10.4014/jmb.1110.10005
Lebreton, F., Willems, R. J. L., & Gilmore, M. S. (2014). Enterococcus diversity, origins in nature, and gut colonization.
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