II. Pathophysiology
- Lactic Acid Bacteria
- Gram-positive facultative anaerobic cocci
- Previously defined as Group D Streptococcus (now Enterococcus is its own genus)
- Enterococcus was classified under Streptococcus until 1984, and is now its own genus
- Enterococcus was reclassified under its own genus as of 1984 following DNA analysis
III. Types
- Enterococcus faecalis
- Enterococcus faecium
IV. Findings: Infections
- See Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus
- Enterococcus is a colonizer, normal flora of the human Gastrointestinal Tract
- Enterococci are hardy organisms that can survive in the harsh GI Tract, including 40% bile
- Infections typically occur in Immunocompromised or debilitated hospital patients