Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium)

Enterococcus faecium is a Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic bacterium that normally inhabits the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. While generally commensal, it has emerged as a significant nosocomial pathogen, particularly in critical care settings. The species is clinically notable for its extensive antimicrobial resistance, with 80% of isolates resistant to vancomycin and 90% resistant to ampicillin. E. faecium produces multiple virulence factors including biofilm-forming enterococcal surface proteins and bacteriocins, enabling persistent infections that are difficult to treat. Treatment of vancomycin-resistant E. faecium bacteremia relies primarily on daptomycin or tigecycline, though emerging resistance to these agents is concerning. The bacterium's ability to acquire and transfer resistance genes rapidly has made it a major antimicrobial resistance challenge in healthcare settings globally.

Other names

VRE (vancomycin-resistant E. faecium) when referring to antibiotic-resistant strains

Drugs target bacterial cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, and membrane integrity