Enterococcus durans
Enterococcus durans: An Overview
Description
Enterococcus durans is a Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic bacterium that belongs to the Enterococcaceae family. It is a member of the normal intestinal flora of humans and animals and is commonly found in soil, water, and food products.
E. durans is a versatile and adaptable organism capable of surviving in a wide range of environments. It has intrinsic resistance to several antimicrobial agents, making it a potential concern in healthcare settings.
Associated Diseases
While E. durans is typically harmless, it can occasionally cause infections in humans, particularly in immunocompromised individuals or those with underlying medical conditions. Common infections include:
- Endocarditis: Infection of the heart valves
- Bacteremia: Infection in the bloodstream
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Surgical site infections
- Intra-abdominal infections
Did you Know ?
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, E. durans accounted for approximately 2.5% of all enterococcal infections in a hospital setting. This highlights the potential for E. durans to cause healthcare-associated infections, particularly in high-risk populations.
