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 animal species. They can, however, colonize the urinary tract or an open wound and cause infection.
Microbes can survive 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. The microbes can be transported from any surface to the skin, infecting any open wound. E. faecium is vital 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 many antibiotic drugs, including resistance to vancomycin.
E. faecium infection can lead to hospital bacteremia, surgical trauma infection, endocarditis, and urinary tract infections.
The test is performed with other Enterococci species: Enterococcus sp., Molecular Detection.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most critical parameter for diagnosing and monitoring all pathological conditions. Between 70 to 80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correctly interpreting 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 analyzed based on each case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your 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 contact your doctor to ensure you receive the best possible medical care.
