Infection: Enterococci

Question 1

What is the classification of enterococci?

Answer 1

They are gram positive diplococci (can also occur in short chains)

Question 2

Name 2 common enterococci commensals

Answer 2

In the intestines:

1. Enterococci faecalis
2. Enterococci faecium

Question 3

What infections do enterococci cause?

Answer 3

UTIs
Endocarditis
Meningitis (rare complication of neurosurgery)

Question 4

How are enterococci infections treated?

Answer 4

There is high resistance to antibitoics
Treated with amoxicillin or vancomycin (most often with gentamicin due to concerns about vancomicin resistant enterococcus)