Enterococci are Gram-positive, catalase-negative, non-spore-forming, facultative anaerobic bacteria, which usually inhabit the alimentary tract of humans in addition to being isolated from environmental and animal sources. They are able to survive a range of stresses and hostile environments, including those of extreme temperature (5-65 degrees C), pH (4.5-10.0) and high NaCl concentration, enabling them to colonize a wide range of niches. Virulence factors of enterococci include the extracellular protein Esp and aggregation substances (Agg), both of which aid in colonization of the host. The nosocomial pathogenicity of enterococci has emerged in recent years, as well as increasing resistance to glycopeptide antibiotics. Understanding the ecology, epidemiology and virulence of Enterococcus species is important for limiting urinary tract infections, hepatobiliary sepsis, endocarditis, surgical wound infection, bacteraemia and neonatal sepsis, and also stemming the further development of antibiotic resistance.

https://cyberleninka.org/article/n/510808.pdf

The ecology, epidemiology and virulence of Enterococcus.

Enterococci as probiotics and their implications in food safety

Enterococci in foods--a conundrum for food safety.

Safety assessment of dairy microorganisms: the Enterococcus genus.

Taxonomy, ecology and antibiotic resistance of enterococci from food and the gastro-intestinal tract.

Species distribution and antibiotic resistance patterns of enterococci isolated from food of animal origin in Germany.

Species identification and detection of vancomycin resistance genes in enterococci of animal origin by multiplex PCR.

Hazard potential from antibiotic-resistant commensals like Enterococci.

207 enterococcal isolates of animal and food origin were examined for the existence of vancomycin resistance genes (vanA, vanB, vanC1, vanC2) by multiplex-PCR. For 5 strains the vanA-gene could be detected clearly. The vanB-gene could not be found in any of the examined strains. In subsequent single PCR examinations 135 vanC-positive strains were identified as either vanC1- or vanC2-isolates whereas 16 vanC-positive probes were obviously mixed cultures. For 5 enterococcal strains isolated from pigs the multiplex PCR led first to false-negative results. By single PCR examinations the vanC1-gene could be detected in these strains. According to multiplex- and single PCR examinations 46 strains were negative for any examined gene. The multiplex PCR is characterised by its time-and material saving advantages and is therefore recommended for the routine use for the detection of vancomycin genes in enterococcal strains. For the differentiation of vanC1- and vanC2-genes and the clarification of negative results single-PCR examinations should be carried out. Cette etude examine l'existence de genes de resistance a la vancomycine (vanA, vanB, VanC1 et vanC2) dans 207 isolats d'enterocoques d'origine alimentaire ou animale par PCR . Pour 5 souches, le gene vanA peut etre detecte clairement. Le gene vanB n'est detecte dans aucune souche. 135 souches vanC-positives sont identifiees en vanC1 ou vanC2 et 16 vanC-positives sont des souches melangees. Pour 5 souches isolees sur des porcs, l'analyse PCR conduit a des faux negatifs corrigee par une analyse PCR simple.

Nachweis von Vancomycin-Resistenzgenen bei Enterokokken-Feldstämmen tierischer Herkunft mittels Multiplex-PCR

In 2005, human Campylobacter (C) infections accounted for the majority of notifyable bacterial gastrointestinal infections in Germany Consumption and handling of contaminated poultry meat is regarded as one of the major sources of human Campylobacter infection. To investigate the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in German broiler flocks, a monitoring project was established in May 2004 by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment in collaboration with selected Lander (States). In the first phase from May 2004 to April 2005 representative data were obtained about Campylobacter prevalence in broiler flocks. Fourteen large poultry slaughterhouses were included. All breeders who submitted their birds to these slaughterhouses were sampled twice per year. Caeca were obtained during slaughter and faecal material was used for isolation and identification of Campylobacter spp. Additionally, antibiotic resistance of the isolates was tested. Campylobacter spp. were detected in 532 (40%) of the 1331 investigated broiler flocks. A distinct seasonality - with the highest prevalences in the summer months - was notified. Out of the isolated strains, 268 (58.5%) were identified as C. jejuni and 190 (41.5%) as C. coli. Of the 433 isolates tested for antibiotic resistance, 0.4% of C. jejuni and 8.1% of C. coli were resistant to erythromycin, while 41.3% and 60.2% of the isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin, respectively. All tested isolates were sensitive to gentamicin

K. Mac

Papers

Species distribution and antibiotic resistance patterns of enterococci isolated from food of animal origin in Germany.

Species identification and detection of vancomycin resistance genes in enterococci of animal origin by multiplex PCR.

Hazard potential from antibiotic-resistant commensals like Enterococci.

Nachweis von Vancomycin-Resistenzgenen bei Enterokokken-Feldstämmen tierischer Herkunft mittels Multiplex-PCR

Resultate der ersten Phase des Nationalen Campylobacter-Masthähnchenmonitorings 2004-2005