ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN ENTEROCOCCI: A REVIEW

Abstract

Enterococci, traditionally regarded as low grade pathogens, have emerged as an increasingly important cause of nosocomial infections in the past two decades all over the world. Their emergence as important nosocomial pathogens has coincided with increased expression of antimicrobial resistance that is intrinsic to the species or may be acquired through mutation of intrinsic genes or horizontal exchange of genetic material through the transfer of plasmids and transposons. The present paper aims at reviewed the mechanisms underlying antibiotic resistance in enterococci, both intrinsic and acquired with an overview on the most important mechanisms of resistance to the antibiotics that are used to treat vancomycin-resistant enterococci.