Genome-Wide Mutagenesis Identifies Factors Involved in Enterococcus faecalis Vaginal Adherence and Persistence
Norhan Alhajjar, Anushila Chatterjee, Brady L. Spencer, Lindsey R. Burcham, Julia L. E. Willett, Gary M. Dunny, Breck A. Duerkop, Kelly S. Doran
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is a Gram-positive commensal bacterium native to the gastrointestinal tract and an opportunistic pathogen of increasing clinical concern. E. faecalis also colonizes the female reproductive tract, and reports suggest vaginal colonization increases following antibiotic treatment or in patients with aerobic vaginitis. Currently, little is known about specific factors that promote E. faecalis vaginal colonization and subsequent infection.
Topics & Concepts
Enterococcus faecalisBiologyColonizationMicrobiologyVaginitisPathogenColonisationPersistence (discontinuity)EnterococcusGastrointestinal tractAntibioticsVirulenceCommensalismBacteriaStaphylococcus aureusGeneGeneticsBiochemistryGeotechnical engineeringEngineeringReproductive tract infections researchClostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens researchGut microbiota and health