Emerging Challenges in Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Enterococcus Strains: Implications for Clinical Practice and Public Health

Leopold Schmetterer^*
*Correspondence: Leopold Schmetterer, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Clinical Research, Vienna, Austria, Email:

Introduction

Enterococcus strains are gram-positive cocci that are frequently found in the intestinal microbiota of humans and animals. These bacteria have been used as probiotics to promote gut health and prevent or treat various diseases. However, there is growing concern about the antimicrobial susceptibility of Enterococcus strains, particularly in clinical practice. Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health problem that has been increasing in recent years. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have contributed to the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria, including Enterococcus strains. These bacteria are intrinsically resistant to many antibiotics, and they can acquire resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer, making them resistant to multiple drugs. In clinical practice, Enterococcus strains are used as probiotics to promote gut health, prevent infections, and treat various diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. However, the use of enterococcus strains as probiotics is controversial due to their potential to cause infections and the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

Description

Several studies have shown that Enterococcus strains used as probiotics can be resistant to various antibiotics, including aminoglycosides, macrolides, and tetracyclines. This resistance can be intrinsic or acquired through the acquisition of resistance genes from other bacteria in the gut or the environment. The presence of antimicrobial-resistant Enterococcus strains in the gut can pose a risk to the host, particularly in immunocompromised individuals or those undergoing invasive procedures. The antimicrobial susceptibility of enterococcus strains used as probiotics should be carefully monitored to ensure their safety and efficacy. The susceptibility testing of Enterococcus strains is essential to determine the appropriate antibiotic therapy for infections and to detect the emergence of resistant strains. The use of narrow-spectrum antibiotics and the implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs can reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance and promote the use of effective antimicrobial agents [1,2].

In conclusion, the antimicrobial susceptibility of enterococcus strains used in clinical practice as probiotics is a concern due to their potential to cause infections and the risk of antimicrobial resistance. The monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility and the implementation of appropriate antibiotic therapy are essential to ensure the safety and efficacy of probiotics containing Enterococcus strains. The prudent use of antibiotics and the implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs can reduce the emergence and spread of antimicrobialresistant enterococcus strains. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. They are commonly used to promote digestive health, boost immunity, and prevent or treat certain diseases. There are many different strains of probiotics available, each with their own unique properties and potential benefits. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a type of beneficial bacteria that is naturally found in the human body, particularly in the digestive and urinary tracts. It is commonly used as a probiotic supplement to help improve digestive health and boost the immune system [3].

Lactobacillus acidophilus produces lactic acid, which creates an acidic environment that helps to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut. It also helps to break down food and aids in the absorption of nutrients. When selecting a probiotic strain for clinical use, one important consideration is its antimicrobial susceptibility. This refers to the ability of a particular strain to resist the effects of antibiotics or other antimicrobial agents. It is important to note that the antimicrobial susceptibility of probiotic strains can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the strain's genetic makeup, growth conditions, and exposure to antibiotics or other antimicrobial agents. Therefore, it is important to regularly monitor the antimicrobial susceptibility of probiotic strains to ensure that they remain safe and effective for clinical use [4,5].

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the antimicrobial susceptibility of probiotic strains is an important consideration for clinicians when selecting which strains to use in different clinical situations. By selecting strains that are resistant to antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents, we can help ensure that probiotics remain safe and effective for promoting health and preventing disease.

References

1. Andrasik, Michele P., Gail B. Broder, Stephaun E. Wallace and Richa Chaturvedi, et al. "Increasing Black, Indigenous and People of Color participation in clinical trials through community engagement and recruitment goal establishment." PloS one 16 (2021): e0258858.

Google Scholar, Crossref

2. Garrison, Nanibaa’A., Māui Hudson, Leah L. Ballantyne and Ibrahim Garba, et al. "Genomic research through an indigenous lens: Understanding the expectations." Am J Hum Genet 20 (2019): 495-517.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

3. Arbour, Laura and Doris Cook. "DNA on loan: Issues to consider when carrying out genetic research with aboriginal families and communities." Public Health Genomics 9 (2006): 153-160.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

4. Reihl, Sheantel J., Nirav Patil, Ramin A. Morshed and Mulki Mehari, et al. "A population study of clinical trial accrual for women and minorities in neuro-oncology following the NIH Revitalization Act." Neuro-oncology 24 (2022): 1341-1349.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

5. Taha, Birra, Graham Winston, Umberto Tosi and Benjamin Hartley, et al. "Missing diversity in brain tumor trials." Neuro Oncol Adv (2020): vdaa059.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at