Enterococcus faecium (lat.) - a type of bacteria of the genus Enterococcus , which is part of the normal microflora of the human digestive tract, as well as some mammals. According to the classification adopted earlier, enterococci belonged to group D streptococci and E. faecium were called Streptococcus faecium .
| Enterococcus faecium |
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| Scientific classification |
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| View: | Enterococcus faecium |
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| International Scientific Name |
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Enterococcus faecium (Orla-Jensen 1919) Schleifer and Kilpper-Bälz 1984 |
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Enterococci - gram-positive lactic acid bacteria that do not form spores and capsules, facultative anaerobes (able to use the fermentation energy and therefore, live with large and negligible amounts of oxygen). The optimal temperature for the cultivation of enterococci is + 35 ... + 37 ° C. Enterococci metabolize the fermentation type, ferment a variety of carbohydrates with the formation of mainly lactic acid, but not gas, reducing the acidity of the medium to 4.2-4.6 pH. Enterococci are highly resistant to various environmental factors and disinfectants, can remain viable on household items for a long time, withstand heating to 60 ° C for 30 minutes.
Enterococcus faecium populates the human intestines in the early days of life. Enterococcal colonization is more active in breast-fed infants.
Enterococcus faecium , like other enterococci, is used in the food industry, which uses the ability of enterococci to hydrolyze lactose, ferment milk, effectively suppress pathogenic bacteria in the food itself, as well as their high resistance to acids, salts and high temperatures. Various strains of Enterococcus faecium are widely used in the manufacture of various varieties of cheese and smoked meats. Below are some examples:
- strain FAIR-E 198 is used in the preparation of feta cheese
- RZS C5 and DPC 1146 strains - Cheddar cheese
- strains CCM 4231 and RZS C13 - Spanish cold smoked sausage
- strain CTC49 2 - smoked sausage and smoked pork
It is also used as an antidiarrheal agent, a “ probiotic ” producing lactic acid ( ATX ).