Enterococcus vs. Streptococcus

Attribute	Enterococcus	Streptococcus
Domain	Bacteria	Bacteria
Phylum	Firmicutes	Firmicutes
Class	Bacilli	Bacilli
Order	Lactobacillales	Lactobacillales
Family	Enterococcaceae	Streptococcaceae
Genus	Enterococcus	Streptococcus
Gram Stain	Positive	Positive
Cell Shape	Cocci	Cocci
Cell Arrangement	Pairs, chains, clusters	Pairs, chains
Respiration	Facultative anaerobe	Facultative anaerobe
Optimal Growth Temperature	37°C	37°C
Pathogenicity	Opportunistic pathogen	Pathogenic

Introduction

Enterococcus and Streptococcus are two genera of bacteria that belong to the same family, Streptococcaceae. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct characteristics that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the attributes of Enterococcus and Streptococcus, including their morphology, pathogenicity, antibiotic resistance, and clinical significance.

Morphology

Both Enterococcus and Streptococcus are Gram-positive cocci, meaning they have a spherical shape and retain the crystal violet stain in the Gram staining process. However, there are notable differences in their morphology. Enterococcus cells typically occur in pairs or short chains, while Streptococcus cells are arranged in long chains or pairs. Additionally, Enterococcus cells often exhibit a characteristic diplococcus arrangement, resembling two cocci joined together, whereas Streptococcus cells appear as long chains of cocci.

Pathogenicity

Enterococcus and Streptococcus can both be pathogenic, causing a range of infections in humans. However, their pathogenicity differs in certain aspects. Enterococcus species, such as Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, are opportunistic pathogens that commonly colonize the gastrointestinal tract and female genital tract. They can cause urinary tract infections, endocarditis, intra-abdominal infections, and wound infections. On the other hand, Streptococcus species, including Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae, are known for causing various infections, such as strep throat, pneumonia, skin infections, and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis and meningitis.

Antibiotic Resistance

Both Enterococcus and Streptococcus have shown a concerning ability to develop antibiotic resistance, posing challenges in the treatment of infections caused by these bacteria. Enterococcus species are notorious for their intrinsic resistance to many antibiotics, including cephalosporins and aminoglycosides. Moreover, they have the ability to acquire resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer, leading to multidrug-resistant strains. This resistance is particularly problematic in healthcare settings, where Enterococcus infections can be difficult to treat. On the other hand, while Streptococcus species are generally more susceptible to antibiotics, some strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae have developed resistance to multiple antibiotics, including penicillin and macrolides, which has necessitated the use of alternative treatment options.

Clinical Significance

Enterococcus and Streptococcus have different clinical significance due to the types of infections they commonly cause. Enterococcus species are frequently associated with healthcare-associated infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals or those with underlying medical conditions. They are often implicated in urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and surgical site infections. In contrast, Streptococcus species are responsible for a wide range of community-acquired infections, such as strep throat, skin and soft tissue infections, and respiratory tract infections. Streptococcus pneumoniae, in particular, is a leading cause of pneumonia and meningitis worldwide.

Conclusion

Enterococcus and Streptococcus, while belonging to the same family, exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of morphology, pathogenicity, antibiotic resistance, and clinical significance. Understanding these attributes is crucial for effective diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infections caused by these bacteria. Further research and surveillance are necessary to combat the rising antibiotic resistance observed in both Enterococcus and Streptococcus, ensuring that appropriate therapeutic strategies are employed to tackle these infections.