Enterococcus faecalis is a genus of Gram-positive cocci and forms short chains or are arranged in pairs. They are facultative, immobile anaerobic organisms that can survive in harsh natural conditions. There are more than 15 species of the genus Enterococcus, but approximately 90% of clinical isolates are E. faecalis. E. faecalis is a nosocomial pathogen because it is commonly found in hospital settings and can cause life-threatening infections in humans. It is a bacteria that normally inhabits the intestinal tract of humans and animals, but when found in other parts of the body it can cause serious infections. The most common sites of E. faecalis infections are the heart, bloodstream, urinary tract, and skin wounds. Due to vancomycin-resistant enterococci, many antibiotics have been found to be ineffective in treatment. In this article, I will describe the ecology and pathology of E. faecalis; antibacterial resistance; treatment; and what you can do to prevent enterococcus infection. Enterococci normally inhabit the large bowls of humans, but are also part of the intestinal microflora of mammals and birds. Enterococci are also found in soil, plants and water. Normally you don't find E. faecalis in water, but there are other species of enterococci that have been found in water due to contamination. Often from feces. E. faecalis is considered a diverse species because it mixes with many different organisms and has an effect on the environment. Some of the ways that E. faecalis can be transmitted in the environment are through various insects and animals. Houseflies are a good example of how the bacteria are transmitted, because where they live, live microbial communities are present. Normally they are found around...... middle of paper ......d rectal thermometers and hand transmission after touching intravenous or urinary catheters. Enterococci may be intrinsic and may tolerate or resist beta-lactam antibiotics due to their penicillin-binding protein content. This means that they are still able to combine cell wall components. There may be acquired resistance of enterococci which includes resistance to penicillin by beta-lactamases, chloramphenicol, tetracyclines, rifampin, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides and vancomycin. There is potential for cell wall synthesis because genes that encode intrinsic or acquired resistance to vancomycin produce a peptide to which vancomycin cannot bind. Unfortunately, due to penicillin resistance, enterococci can be inhibited but cannot be killed. Healthcare professionals have limited therapeutic options that may be effective in treating VRE..