Enterococcus

Introduction

Enteric streptococci.

Laboratory

• Enterococcus serology
• Enterococcus DNA
• Enterococcus rRNA

Management

• enterococcal bacteremia
  • ampicillin 2 g IV every 4 hours
  • ampicillin plus aminoglycoside for synergy if sepsis or cardiac valve abnormality
  • ampicillin-resistance is common
  • Vancomycin 1 g IV every 14 hours
  • vancomycin resistance frequently accompanies ampicillin-resistance
  • duration of therapy 7-10 days unless otherwise indicated (i.e. endocarditis)
• urinary tract infection
  • per culture and sensitivity
  • nitrofurantoin probably agent of choice
  • fluoroquinolones may not be effective
  • fosfomycin may be useful
• meningitis
  • ampicillin plus aminoglycoside for synergy
  • vancomycin plus aminoglycoside
  • adjunctive rifampin IV has been used
• skin infections (E faecalis)
  • daptomycin
  • tigecycline
• other agents
  • quinupristin/dalfopristin
  • linezolid

More general terms

• Streptococcus

More specific terms

• Streptococcus (Enterococcus) faecalis
• Streptococcus (Enterococcus) faecium
• vancomycin resistant enterococcus (VRS)

Additional terms

• Enterococcus endomyometritis