Enterococcus faecalis

Enterococcus faecalis – formerly classified as part of the Group D Streptococcus system – is a commensal bacterium inhabiting the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and other mammals. Like other species in the genus Enterococcus, E. faecalis can cause life-threatening infections in humans, especially in the nosocomial (hospital) environment, where the naturally high levels of antibiotic resistance found in E. faecalis contribute to its pathogenicity. E. faecalis can cause endocarditis, as well as bladder, prostate, and epididymal infections; nervous system infections are less common.