Enterococcus pseudoavium

Enterococcus pseudoavium is a species of bacteria within the genus Enterococcus. It is a Gram-positive bacterium that is part of the normal microbiota of the human gastrointestinal tract.

Morphology

Enterococcus pseudoavium is a cocci-shaped bacterium, typically appearing in pairs (diplococci) or short chains. It is non-motile and does not form spores. The cells are Gram-positive, meaning they retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure.

Physiology

Enterococcus pseudoavium is a facultative anaerobe, capable of growing in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. It can survive in a wide range of temperatures and pH levels, and it is tolerant to high concentrations of sodium chloride.

Pathogenicity

While Enterococcus pseudoavium is generally considered a commensal organism, it can be an opportunistic pathogen, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. It has been associated with urinary tract infections, bacteremia, and endocarditis.

Antibiotic Resistance

Enterococcus pseudoavium exhibits intrinsic resistance to several antibiotics, including cephalosporins and aminoglycosides. It may also acquire resistance to other antibiotics, such as vancomycin, through horizontal gene transfer. This resistance poses a challenge in clinical settings, particularly in the treatment of infections caused by multi-drug resistant strains.

Clinical Significance

Infections caused by Enterococcus pseudoavium are relatively rare compared to other enterococci, such as Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium. However, when they occur, they can be difficult to treat due to the organism's resistance profile. Accurate identification and susceptibility testing are crucial for effective management of these infections.

Laboratory Identification

Enterococcus pseudoavium can be identified in the laboratory using a combination of phenotypic and genotypic methods. Phenotypic methods include Gram staining, growth on selective media, and biochemical tests such as the ability to hydrolyze esculin in the presence of bile. Genotypic methods involve the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of specific genetic markers.

Prevention and Control

Preventing infections caused by Enterococcus pseudoavium involves standard infection control practices, such as hand hygiene and the appropriate use of antibiotics to prevent the development of resistant strains. In healthcare settings, monitoring and isolating patients with resistant infections can help prevent the spread of these organisms.

Research Directions

Ongoing research on Enterococcus pseudoavium focuses on understanding its role in the human microbiome, mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, and potential strategies for preventing and treating infections. Studies on the genetic basis of resistance and virulence factors are particularly important for developing new therapeutic approaches.

See Also

• Enterococcus
• Antibiotic resistance
• Gram-positive bacteria