The enterococcus faecalis (fecal enterococcus) bacterium was previously classified as class D streptococcus, therefore, today it is often called fecal streptococcus. This microorganism is a representative of the normal intestinal microflora and belongs to the genus enterococci. These bacteria also colonize the intestines of goats, sheep, horses, dogs and pigs. In the human body enterococcus fecal inhabits mainly in the small intestine, is also found in the genitals, in the urethra, in the oral cavity. The microorganism is found in the feces of 90% of people and helps to ensure colonization resistance of the mucosa.
Some strains of these bacteria (non-pathogenic) are used in the production of dairy products, in particular, various varieties of cheese. The fact is that enterococci promote the fermentation of milk, hydrolyze lactose, and fight pathogenic bacteria in foods. In addition, they are resistant to high temperatures, the effects of salts and acids.
However, this particular type of bacteria is one of the most pathogenic among enterococci. Often, these microorganisms become causative agents of infections of the urinary system, pelvic organs, as well as endocarditis. In addition, this type of enterococcus sometimes causes a nosocomial infection. And according to the number of these microorganisms in the external environment, its fecal contamination is judged.
Urinary tract infections
Among all pathogenic microorganisms detected during bacteriuria, up to 18% are precisely on enterococcal fecal.
The presence of bacteria in the urine most often indicates inflammation of the urinary tract. In this case, the degree of their growth detected by seeding on nutrient media is important. So, in the absence of complaints, bacteriuria is considered true if 10 to 5 degrees or more microbial bodies are found in 1 ml of urine. The presence of fewer enterococci may indicate contamination of the material during its collection. Usually bacteriuria is accompanied by symptoms characteristic of pyelonephritis, cystitis, urethritis. If they are present and when urine is taken for catheter analysis, the diagnostic threshold can be lowered.
In the absence of complaints, bacteriuria does not always require immediate treatment. If there are symptoms and high growth of the bacteria enterococcal fecal, treatment is carried out with antibiotics. Pre-determine the sensitivity of microorganisms to drugs. In many cases, fecal enterococcus is sensitive to tetracyclines, nitrofurans, and fluoroquinolones.
Bacteriuria during pregnancy
In pregnant women, bacteria are found in the urine quite often, even the term “pregnant bacteriuria” exists. During this period, the likelihood of developing pyelonephritis and cystitis is especially high. Most dangerous if urinary tract infection is asymptomatic. In this case, it is difficult to identify it in a timely manner. In the future, pyelonephritis, like bacteriuria, can cause childbirth earlier than term or spontaneous abortion. True, up to 80% of the bacteria found in the urine of expectant mothers are E. coli. However, enterococcal fecal during pregnancy plays a significant role in the development of inflammatory processes in the urinary tract.
The fact is that during the period of bearing a child in the woman’s body, favorable conditions are created for stagnation of urine, and, therefore, for the multiplication of bacteria. The uterus grows and puts pressure on the kidneys, interfering with their work. In addition, hormonal changes in the body can also contribute to the development of bacteriuria. The reasons for this phenomenon are actually many. Even caries or a decrease in immunity can contribute to this. At risk are pregnant women with chronic diseases, pathology of the urinary system, who have had sexually transmitted diseases. Anatomical features also contribute to the appearance of bacteria in urine; in women, the urethra is located close to the rectum. Women who are not properly hygienic or have often changed their sexual partners before are also at risk.
In other words, bacteria in urine are detected 5 times more often in expectant mothers than in non-pregnant women. But the prevalence of this phenomenon does not indicate its harmlessness, since the growth of bacteria in the future can lead to miscarriage and complications in childbirth. If enterococci are detected during repeated analyzes, treatment is prescribed. When registering, expectant mothers are advised to undergo a screening examination, during which urine must be examined for the presence of bacteria.