Enterococcus faecalis strain NCTC8732

Enterococcus faecalis strain NCTC8732 is a Gram-positive, cocci-shaped bacterium classified as a chemoorganotroph and a facultative anaerobe. It thrives optimally at 37°C and is categorized as mesophilic. This strain possesses one membrane and one replicon, indicating a simple cellular structure. Notably, it is non-motile, lacking flagella. E. faecalis NCTC8732 is free-living and can inhabit various environments, including those associated with multiple host species. Its known hosts range from Homo sapiens and domesticated animals such as Gallus gallus (chickens) and Sus scrofa (pigs) to aquatic species like Lutjanus russellii (fish) and Danio rerio (zebrafish), as well as various invertebrates and mammals, including Canis lupus familiaris (dogs) and Felis catus (cats). This strain is clinically significant due to its pathogenicity in humans. It is associated with a wide array of health complications, including bacteremia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), endocarditis, meningitis, and infections at surgical sites. The bacterium is implicated in both nosocomial infections and various infectious lesions, particularly in the urinary tract, intra-abdomen, and oral cavity. The ecological insight drawn from E. faecalis NCTC8732's diverse host range and its ability to cause a multitude of infections underscores its adaptability and potential as an opportunistic pathogen in both clinical settings and natural environments. Its versatility highlights the importance of monitoring this organism in both health and disease contexts.