Which Enterococcus species causes the majority of infections within the genus?

Which Enterococcus species causes the majority of infections within the genus?

• A. durans
• B. casseliflavus
• C. faecium
• D. faecalis

Answer: (D)

Enterococcus faecalis is the species most often responsible for infections in this genus. It is a common inhabitant of the human gut, so it frequently ends up causing infections when mucosal barriers are breached or in hospitalized patients with invasive devices or procedures. In clinical practice, E. faecalis is a frequent cause of urinary tract infections, biliary and intra‑abdominal infections, bacteremia, and endocarditis. While Enterococcus faecium is also an important pathogen, especially in hospital settings and known for antibiotic resistance, it accounts for a smaller overall share of enterococcal infections. The ample gut colonization and opportunistic nature of faecalis explain why it remains the leading cause among Enterococcus species.

Enterococcus faecalis is the species most often responsible for infections in this genus. It is a common inhabitant of the human gut, so it frequently ends up causing infections when mucosal barriers are breached or in hospitalized patients with invasive devices or procedures. In clinical practice, E. faecalis is a frequent cause of urinary tract infections, biliary and intra‑abdominal infections, bacteremia, and endocarditis. While Enterococcus faecium is also an important pathogen, especially in hospital settings and known for antibiotic resistance, it accounts for a smaller overall share of enterococcal infections. The ample gut colonization and opportunistic nature of faecalis explain why it remains the leading cause among Enterococcus species.