What is Enterococcus faecalis?
Enterococcus faecalis (formerly known as Streptococcus faecalis) is a species of bacteria that resides predominantly in human gastrointestinal tracts but is also found in the oral cavity and vaginaopen_in_new. Within the gastro system, it is typically not harmful. It is even beneficial as a probiotic in normal concentrations. When it enters wounds, blood, or urine during surgery, it can spread to other areas of the body and cause more serious infections like sepsis, endocarditis, and meningitis, and bacteremia (bacteria in the blood). For this reason, it is called an opportunistic pathogen.
It is also responsible for many urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to its transmission via catheter. According to Medical News Today, Enterococcus faecalis is responsible for approximately 80 percentopen_in_new of cases of human infection. In the United States, around 50,000 cases are reported annually, approximately 10% of those resulting in death. Many of these infections spread in hospitals due to the reduced immunity prevalent and the many opportunities for infusion.
Where Does it Colonize?
Objects & Surfaces
What Does it Infect?
How Does it Spread?
Preventing the Spread of Enterococcus faecalis
Enterococcus faecalis can spread by the following means:
- Within one’s own gastrointestinal system
- Close contact with an infected person, via physical contact
- Contact with objects or surfaces that are contaminated by the bacteria
- Contact with human feces
Unfortunately in recent years, there’s been an increase in drug-resistant strains of this bacteria. Today, many antibiotics no longer work against infections caused by these tenacious bacteria, which leads to serious complications in patients or even death. Scientists have found that Enterococcus faecalis cells are capable of forming “microbial communities,” attaching to other cells to form a strong defense against antibiotic therapy. As a result, most physicians prescribe a combination of antibiotics in an attempt to combat infection.
Get More Protection with UV Disinfection
Germicidal Ultraviolet (UV-C) disinfection can enhance existing disinfection procedures — inactivating Enterococcus faecalis on surfaces in hospitals and other medical facilities. Shop our products at AtlanticUltraviolet.comopen_in_new.
Our germicidal lamps produce ultraviolet wavelengths at 254 nanometers, the region of maximum germicidal effectiveness. Read our FAQ blog post to learn more. See dosage data below.
Enterococcus faecalis: Classification & UV-C Dose for Inactivation
| Organism: | Alternate Name: | Type: | Disease: | UV Dose*: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enterococcus faecalis | Streptococcus Faecalis | Bacteria | Urinary tract infection, meningitis, endocarditis, bacteremia, septicemia | 8.60 mJ/cm2 |
* Nominal Ultraviolet dosage necessary to inactivate better than 99% of microorganisms. See sources below.
People at High Risk of Infection
In healthy people, this bacterium rarely causes problems. But people who have pre-existing health conditions, are immune-compromised, or are elderly are more likely to get sick. You’re more likely to contract an infection from Enterococcus faecalis if you:
- are receiving treatment in a hospital
- have a health condition, such as with HIV or AIDS, that weakens the immune system
- have open or healing wounds
- have impaired mobility
- have a history of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- have had a root canal
- are having cancer treatment
- are having dialysis
- are receiving an organ transplant
Enterococcus faecalis Symptoms
The most common symptoms associated with Enterococcus faecalis are as follows:
- fatigue / lightheadedness / confusion
- swelling in the gums
- painful urination
- stomach cramping
- vomiting and nausea
- fever and chills
- headache
- diarrhea
- tachypnea, which is fast, shallow breathing
- chest pain
- stiffness in the neck
Possible Complications from Enterococcus faecalis
Some Enterococcus faecalis infections can cause:
- a urinary tract infection
- bacteremia, which is the medical term for bacteria in the blood
- an abdominal or pelvic infection
- an oral infection, particularly after a root canal
- septicemia, which was once called blood poisoning
- an infection in a wound
- endocarditis, an infection of the lining of the heart
- enterococcal meningitis
Sources on Enterococcus faecalis
The above information can be found on the following pages.
- Medical News Today: What is Entero faecalis?open_in_new
- BMC Infectious Diseasesopen_in_new
- Healthline: Enterococcus Faecalisopen_in_new
- Verywell Health: Enterococcus faecalisopen_in_new
Sensitivity of Bacteria, Protozoa, Viruses, and Other Microorganisms to Ultraviolet Radiation. Journal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Volume 126, Article No. 126021, 2021.
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