Enterococcus faecium strain HPCN13

Enterococcus faecium strain HPCN13 is a Gram-positive bacterium that is classified as a facultative anaerobe and exhibits a cocci shape. This strain is known to inhabit fermented mare milk, indicating its adaptability to specific dairy environments. It possesses true flagella, which may contribute to its motility and colonization within various hosts. HPCN13 has been identified as pathogenic to humans, associated with a range of health effects including endocarditis, nosocomial infections, bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, biliary tract infections, and infected pancreatic necrosis. The strain is also linked to systemic infections and nosocomial bacteremia, underscoring its potential role in healthcare-associated infections. The strain has a single replicon and is capable of infecting a variety of hosts, including Homo sapiens (humans), Gallus gallus (chickens), Bos taurus (cattle), and other metazoans. This broad host range suggests that E. faecium HPCN13 could play a role in both human and veterinary health. The presence of E. faecium in fermented mare milk raises ecological considerations regarding its role in food safety and health, particularly in fermented dairy products. Given its pathogenicity, monitoring this strain in food sources is essential to prevent potential health risks associated with its consumption. Understanding its behavior in both dairy environments and host organisms can provide insights into strategies for managing infections caused by this opportunistic pathogen.