Enterokokit

Enterokokit is a term used in some contexts to denote enterococci, a group of Gram-positive cocci that colonize the intestinal tract of humans and animals. Members of the genus Enterococcus are facultative anaerobes and occur in pairs or short chains. They are hardy and can survive in harsh conditions, including a wide range of temperatures, salt concentrations, and pH, which supports colonization of hospital environments and devices.

Taxonomically, Enterococcus belongs to the family Enterococcaceae within the order Lactobacillales. The most clinically important species are Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, among others.

Although many strains are harmless commensals, enterococci are notable nosocomial pathogens. They can cause urinary tract infections, bacteremia, endocarditis, intra-abdominal and pelvic infections, and wound infections, especially in patients with prior antibiotic use, prolonged hospitalization, or invasive devices.

Enterococci have intrinsic resistance to cephalosporins and variable resistance to many other antibiotics; they readily acquire resistance determinants, including those conferring high-level aminoglycoside resistance and vancomycin resistance (VRE). Virulence factors include adhesins, aggregation substances, gelatinase, and cytolysin, contributing to tissue damage and immune evasion. Resistance and colonization traits complicate treatment and infection control.

Laboratory identification relies on Gram stain, catalase reaction (negative), bile esculin hydrolysis, growth in 6.5% NaCl, and PYR testing, along with species-level identification by biochemical methods or molecular techniques. Management depends on susceptibility testing; commonly used agents include ampicillin in combination with gentamicin for susceptible strains, with alternative therapies such as linezolid or daptomycin for resistant isolates, and stringent infection-control practices to limit spread.