Enterococcus faecium strain IHC3

Enterococcus faecium strain IHC3 is a Gram-positive bacterium commonly found in fermented mare milk, establishing its niche in this unique habitat. This strain is classified as a facultative anaerobe, allowing it to thrive in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. Morphologically, E. faecium IHC3 is characterized by its cocci shape and possesses flagella, which may contribute to its motility. E. faecium IHC3 is known to exhibit pathogenicity in humans, being associated with various health complications. These include endocarditis, bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, biliary tract infections, nosocomial infections, and nosocomial bacteremia. The strain is also linked to infected pancreatic necrosis and systemic infections, indicating its potential as a significant human pathogen, particularly in healthcare settings where it can lead to serious nosocomial infections. The strain has a single replicon, and its genetic information is cataloged under the accession number MSHT00000000.1, providing a basis for further genomic studies. Ecologically, E. faecium IHC3 is not limited to human hosts; it can also infect a variety of animals, including chickens (Gallus gallus), cattle (Bos taurus), swine (Sus scrofa), and turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), among others. This broad host range suggests that E. faecium IHC3 may play a role in the microbiota of diverse species, influencing both animal health and potential zoonotic transmission pathways. The bacterium’s presence in fermented mare milk also indicates its potential utility in dairy production, although its pathogenic traits necessitate caution in its application.