The Enterococcus: Review of its characters regarding virulence factors, antibiotic Resistance, pathogenesis, and Treatment

Abstract

Enterococci are among the normal human microbiota inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract. However, they can translocate into blood causing infections. Many Enterococci species are identified, with E. faecalis and E. faecium being the most common species isolated from human infections. Both inherent and acquired anti-microbial resistance among Enterococci play a great role in the development and spread of MDR strains. This indicates a major challenge in treating enterococcal infections with empirical regimens. Also, the high level of resistance may be attributed to the excessive of these antibiotics for Gram positive bacterial infections in our locality. Enterococci are known to be biofilm producers. Biofilm production occurs in a dynamic process. Adherence of bacterial cells to specific surfaces, such as, medical devices, dead tissues, and catheters, is considered the first crucial step in biofilm production. Biofilm production aids to the virulence and pathogenicity of Enterococci. Biofilm production exhibits antibiotic resistance and failure of antibodies killing function. Our aim of this review is to demonstrate the characters of Enterococcus as regarding virulence factors, antibiotic Resistance, pathogenesis, and recent possible treatment