The multifaceted lifestyle of enterococci: genetic diversity, ecology and risks for public health

Enterococci are long-standing members of the gastrointestinal tract of humans and many animals and they are also ubiquitously distributed in natural environments. Classically as faecalis and Enterococcus faecium) have become a leading cause of human infections, especially in hospital settings, with the worldwide spread of multidrug-resistant isolates, especially vancomycin-resistant enterococci. In this review, it will be summarized what is known about genetic diversity and ecology of enterococci with a focus on E. faecalis and E. faecium from human and non-human habitats and related risks for public health.

Automated summary

Enterococci are commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals, and have become a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections, especially with the rise of multidrug-resistant strains. This review summarizes the genetic diversity and ecology of enterococci, focusing on the risks they pose to public health in both human and non-human habitats.