Enterococcus

Enterococcus are naturally occurring intestinal bacteria that can be found in humans, animals, plants, soil, and water. It is one of the most commonly occurring hospital-acquired illnesses, but can also be a foodborne illness. Enterococcus faecalis is the most commonly-isolated species.

Typical Symptoms

• Fever
• Urinary tract infection
• Diarrhea
• Diverticulitis
• Meningitis (rare)

Most at risk

• Young children
• The elderly
• The immunocompromised

How is it spread?

• Most frequently spread in hospitals
• Can be spread through contaminated plants, soil, and water
• Occasionally through person-to-person contact
  • Examples:
  • If an infected person does not wash his/her hands properly after using the toilet, it can be passed along by physical contact or by handling food
  • If contaminated water touches food at any stage (irrigation, washing, rinsing, etc.), contamination can also occur