Enterococcus 

Brief description:

Enterococcus is a Gram-positive streptococcus that inhabits the enteric tract of mammals. Its resistance to bile and fermentative metabolism allow it to flourish in their environment. Enterococci are also known to be opportunistic pathogens that cause endocarditis. Of particular concern are Vancomycin-resistant enterococci often associated with cardiac infections (VRE).

Classification: 

Phylum Firmicutes (Low G+C Gram-positives, Volume 3), Class Bacilli

Type species

Enterococcus faecalis

Aerotolerant anaerobe, oxidase-negative, catalase-negative, nitrate reduction-negative

Metabolism: strictly fermentative (Acid from glucose, lactose, sucrose), MR-positive, VP-negative

Hydrolysis: casease-negative, amylase-negative, DNAse-negative, gelatinase-negative

Other: H₂S-negative, indole-negative, citrate-negative, urease-negative

Structure: non-motile

Links

http://www.enterococcus.ouhsc.edu/images.asp