ENTEROCOCCI Meaning and
Definition
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Enterococci are a group of bacteria belonging to the genus Enterococcus, which are commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. They are Gram-positive cocci, meaning they have a spherical shape and retain a violet color when stained using the Gram staining method. Enterococci are facultative anaerobes, capable of surviving in both oxygenated and oxygen-limited environments.
These bacteria possess a tough outer cell wall containing peptidoglycan, a structural component that contributes to their intrinsic resistance to certain antibiotics. Enterococci are known for their ability to persist on a variety of surfaces, making them a significant source of hospital-acquired infections, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems.
Enterococci are further classified into numerous species, with Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium being the most clinically relevant. These species have the potential to cause various infections, including urinary tract infections, wound infections, bloodstream infections, and endocarditis.
Enterococci can also acquire resistance to multiple antibiotics through the acquisition of plasmids harboring resistance genes. This, in turn, makes enterococci formidable pathogens, as they can display resistance to commonly used antibiotics, such as vancomycin, a drug of last resort for treating serious infections.
In summary, enterococci are a group of spherical bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. They are known for their ability to persist in hospitals and cause a range of infections, often exhibiting resistance to multiple antibiotics.
Etymology of ENTEROCOCCI
The word "enterococci" is derived from two Latin words: "entero" and "coccus".
1. "Entero" is derived from the Greek word "enteron", meaning "intestine" or "gut". It refers to the fact that enterococci are bacteria that primarily inhabit the intestines of humans and animals.
2. "Coccus" is a Latin word meaning "berry" or "rounded seed". It is a term commonly used in microbiology to refer to bacteria that have a spherical or oval shape.
Combining these two elements, "entero" and "coccus", creates the word "enterococci", which specifically refers to a group of bacteria that are spherical or oval in shape and commonly found in the intestines.
