Enterococcus faecalis strain EF2597

Enterococcus faecalis strain EF2597 is a Gram-positive, cocci-shaped bacterium classified as a facultative anaerobe, capable of utilizing organic compounds as a chemoorganotroph for energy. This strain is non-motile and lacks flagella, which limits its mobility. It is categorized as mesophilic, with an optimal growth temperature of 37 degrees Celsius. EF2597 has a single replicon and a single membrane, characteristic of its cellular structure. It is primarily free-living, but it has a wide range of hosts, including Homo sapiens, various domesticated animals such as Gallus gallus (chickens), Bos (cattle), and Sus scrofa (pigs), as well as aquatic species like Lutjanus russellii (fish) and Danio rerio (zebrafish), among others. This strain is notable for its pathogenicity in humans, being associated with a variety of serious health conditions. These include bacteremia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), endocarditis, meningitis, and other nosocomial infections. EF2597 can cause infections in multiple body sites, including the urinary tract, intra-abdominal area, and surgical sites. Additionally, it is implicated in infections such as dental abscesses and neonatal infections. The ecological insight provided by the wide host range and the opportunistic nature of E. faecalis strain EF2597 emphasizes its role in both human health and animal microbiomes. Its presence as a free-living organism in various environments suggests potential interactions within diverse ecosystems, highlighting its significance in both pathogenic and commensal relationships.