Occurrence, antimicrobial resistance and pathogenic factors of Enterococci

Abstract

Enterococci are Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, catalase-negative, facultative anaerobic cocci and commensal flora of the gastrointestinal tract. Although believed initially to be of low clinical importance, they have been incriminated as nosocomial pathogens. With many of the species being considered drug resistant and resistance genes transfer culprits; they are reported as being responsible for many deaths. Public health concerns about the genus have made it necessary to further scrutinize the existing information on them. This work therefore reviewed studies on enterococci with emphasis on their occurrence, as well as their antimicrobial resistance and pathogenic factors. Available data showed that Enterococci were present in large quantities in the environment and that they are the chief source of food and water contamination, with the multi-drug resistant strains being especially worrisome. They were found resistant to physical and chemical agents; and proven to be extremely pathogenic as nosocomial infections. Their pathogenicity were linked to multidrug resistant strains having certain virulence determinants and the notable strains are the vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Good hygiene practices should be maintained during processing to reduce nosocomial exposure to and ingestion of these organisms in food and water.