Abstract
Enterococci are the second most common Gram-positive pathogen responsible for nosocomial infections. Due to the limited number of new antibiotics that reach the medical practice and the resistance of enterococci to the current antibiotic options, passive and active immunotherapies have emerged as a potential prevention and/or treatment strategy against this opportunistic pathogen. In this review, we explore the pathogenicity of these bacteria and their interaction with the host immune response. We provide an overview of the capsular polysaccharides and surface-associated proteins that have been described as potential antigens in anti-enterococcal vaccine formulations. In addition, we describe the current status in vaccine development against enterococci and address the importance and the current advances toward the development of well-defined vaccines with broad coverage against enterococci.
Highlights
Enterococci are Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic oval cocci and lactic acid producers that form chains of various lengths [1]
These results suggest that active immunotherapy using only secreted antigen Akojibiose (SagA) or SagA conjugated with the repeating units affect the recognition of the sugar mimetic by the immune system [89]
These results suggest that active immunotherapy using only SagA or SagA conjugated with polysaccharides could serve as a promising vaccine candidate against enterococcal infections [93,94]
Summary
Enterococci are Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic oval cocci and lactic acid producers that form chains of various lengths [1]. Under some circumstances, the harmonic relationship with the host can be disrupted, provoking a series of serious diseases [5] The ability of these bacteria to endure extreme pH conditions and a wide range of temperatures and salt concentrations enables them to colonize a variety of niches and persist in hospital settings. The biofilm-forming capacity of enterococci contributes to their persistence during infection and increases their ability to withstand difficult growth conditions [8]. In this context, this review will describe the origins of enterococcal infections and address current difficulties in the treatment of these multiresistant pathogens, which underscores the necessity for the development of alternative therapeutic regimens. The prospects and pitfalls in vaccine development against enterococci will be discussed
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