Enterococcus faecium is a Gram-positive, non-motile, spherical-shaped microbe that appears in pairs or chains. Its genome consists of approximately 2.8 Mbp DNA (millions of base pairs) and has a circular arrangement with various plasmids. These plasmids are believed to play an important role in antibiotic resistance. Enterococcus faecium is a facultative anaerobic microorganism commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of many animals species. They can, however, colonize the urinary tract or an open wound and cause infection.
Microbes can survive for long periods on various surfaces and in environments such as soil. Enterococcus faecium can also survive at temperatures of 10 to 45 °C and in acidic or basic environments. From any surface, the microbes can be transported to the skin where they can infect any open wound. E. faecium has a very important role in the emergence of hospital infections that can lead to bacteremia when the various surfaces within the hospitals are not well sterilized. Expression of the Esp protein gene enhances the occurrence of hospital infections by increasing the ability of microorganisms to bind strongly to hospital equipment and biomembrane formation. Plasmid resistance has led to resistance to many antibiotic drugs, including resistance to vancomycin.
E. faecium infection can lead to hospital bacteremia, surgical trauma infection, endocarditis, and urinary tract infections.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. The correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
