Enterococcus faecalis strain EN363

Enterococcus faecalis strain EN363 is a Gram-positive, coccoid bacterium known for its status as a facultative anaerobe, allowing it to thrive in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. This strain is classified as a chemoorganotroph, utilizing organic compounds for energy. It is mesophilic, with an optimal growth temperature of 37°C, which is consistent with the human body temperature, indicating its adaptation to warm-blooded hosts. E. faecalis EN363 is non-motile and lacks flagella, which may limit its ability to move independently. With a single membrane and one replicon, this strain is genetically streamlined for its ecological niches. It exhibits a free-living biotic relationship and is associated with a wide range of hosts, including Homo sapiens (humans), various domesticated animals (Gallus gallus, Bos, Sus scrofa, Canis lupus familiaris, Felis catus), and aquatic species (Lutjanus russellii, Danio rerio, Phocoena phocoena). This strain is notably pathogenic in humans, being linked to various severe health issues such as bacteremia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), endocarditis, meningitis, and other nosocomial infections. Its involvement in diverse infections across multiple body parts underscores its potential as a significant opportunistic pathogen, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. The ability of E. faecalis EN363 to thrive in multiple habitats and its pathogenicity highlight its ecological versatility and the importance of monitoring its prevalence in clinical settings to manage and prevent infections effectively.