Enterococci
| Categorization | |
|---|---|
| Cell Wall: Gram Positive | Shape: Cocci |
| Biochemistry: Catalase Negative | Metabolism: Microaerophilic |
| Streptococcal subclassification: Group D, alpha-hemolytic | |
| Overview |
|---|
- Enterococci are a grouping of multiple Streptococcal species which share the Group D lancefield antigen and result in similar clinical consequences.
| Clinical Consequences |
|---|
- Overview
- In healthy individuals Enterococci are a normal part of the GI flora. They only cause disease in fairly ill patients (i.e. Hospitalized patients) or in those treated with antibiotics whose normal flora may be deranged.
- Possible pathologies
- Heart Valves: Enterococci infection can cause infective endocarditis and usually manifests as the 'subacute' subtype of infective endocarditis
- Biliary Tree: Enterococci are frequent causes of infectious cholangitis and can go on to cause liver abscess
- UTI: Urinary Tract Infections are possible, especially in those with foley catheters or receiving antibiotics for another issue
| Treatment |
|---|
- Enterococci are notable for their resistance to most antibiotics. Normally treated with ampicillin + aminoglycosides but if organisms are resistant then vancomycin may be used. However, Vancomycin-resistant enterococci have developed and the resistance gene may be transferable. These infections can be treated with linezolid.