Enterococcus faecium strain ARL08-46

Enterococcus faecium strain ARL08-46 is a Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic coccus primarily found in fermented mare milk. This strain is characterized by its single replicon and the absence of flagella. It has a diverse range of hosts, including Homo sapiens (humans), Gallus gallus (chickens), Bos taurus (cattle), Sus scrofa (pigs), and others within the Metazoa and Aves classifications. E. faecium strain ARL08-46 is associated with several health effects, particularly in human hosts. It has been implicated in various infections, including endocarditis, bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, and biliary tract infections. The strain is also noted for causing nosocomial infections and bacteremia, which are infections acquired within a healthcare setting. Additionally, it can lead to systemic infections and infected pancreatic necrosis. The pathogenicity of Enterococcus faecium is a significant concern in clinical microbiology, especially due to its ability to cause serious health complications. Its presence in fermented mare milk raises important ecological considerations regarding the transmission of pathogenic strains through food sources. This highlights the need for careful monitoring of food products and the potential implications for both livestock and human health, as certain strains may transition from benign to pathogenic forms in different environments or hosts.