Abstract
Enterococci, which are on the WHO list of priority pathogens, are commonly encountered in hospital acquired infection and are becoming increasing significant due to the development of strains resistant to multiple antibiotics. Enterococci are also important microorganisms in the environment, and their presence is frequently used as an indicator of faecal pollution. Their success is related to their ability to survive within a broad range of habitats and the ease by which they acquire mobile genetic elements, including plasmids, from other bacteria. The enterococci are frequently present within a bacterial biofilm, which provides stability and protection to the bacterial population along with an opportunity for a variety of bacterial interactions. Enterococci can accept extrachromosomal DNA both from within its own species and from other bacterial species, and this is enhanced by the proximity of the donor and recipient strains. It is this exchange of genetic material that makes the role of biofilms such an important aspect of the success of enterococci. There remain many questions regarding the most suitable model systems to study enterococci in biofilms and regarding the transfer of genetic material including antibiotic resistance in these biofilms. This review focuses on some important aspects of biofilm in the context of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in enterococci.
Highlights
The continued increase in antibiotic resistance among human and animal pathogens is a threat to public health
Despite antibiotic resistance transfer mechanisms being described for enterococci growing in planktonic culture, our understanding of how efficiently these mechanisms function in biofilm is limited (Van Acker et al, 2014)
The interplay between antibiotic resistant bacteria and biofilm has become better understood in recent years as recently as 2016, Stalder and Top argued that much more effort is needed to understand the physicochemical and biological mechanisms involved in gene transfer in this environment
Summary
The continued increase in antibiotic resistance among human and animal pathogens is a threat to public health. KEYWORDS antibiotic resistance, biofilm, enterococci, horizontal gene transfer Despite antibiotic resistance transfer mechanisms being described for enterococci growing in planktonic culture, our understanding of how efficiently these mechanisms function in biofilm is limited (Van Acker et al, 2014).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
