not only in the treatment of enterococcal infections but also because the organism can horizontally transfer this resistant determinant to other Vancomycin-susceptible species. [6] Until recent times, the VRE strains were found sensitive to Linezolid. Resistance to Linezolid is slowly developing, posing several questions on the virulence factors and their survival mechanisms. [7] This review article focuses on the development of virulence factors of the organism and their signiÞ cance in survival of the organism. Genome of EnterococciThe two commonly isolated species of Enterococci associated with nosocomial infections are E. faecalis and E. faecium. The sequencing of the E. faecalis and E. faecium genomes [8] has been done by the Institute for Genomic Research [TIGR] and Joint Genomic Institute of the Dept of Energy in USA respectively. The genome of E. faecalis V583 and E. faecium ATCC BAA-472 has been sequenced. E. faecalis strain V583 is the Þ rst VRE exhibiting Van B phenotype. Some unique features of the genome are that over 25% of genome is made up of mobile and/or exogenously acquired DNA which includes a number of conjugative and composite transposons, a pathogenicity island, integrated plasmid genes phage regions, and high number of insertion sequence [IS]. A comprehensive genome-wide analysis identiÞ ed 134 putative surface exposed proteins that might be associated with colonisation or virulence.The genome of E. faecium is estimated to be around 2.9 Mb, slightly smaller than 3.2 Mb of E. faecalis strain V583. It consists of 2,928,706 base pairs in 300 contigs, 20 reads IntroductionEnterococci have attracted much attention in recent times due to their increased recognition as a cause of nosocomial 'super infection' in patients receiving antimicrobial agents.[1] They are intrinsically resistant / tolerant to many antibiotics and are able to acquire drug resistance either by chromosome, transfer of plasmid or transposon acquisition containing genetic sequences that confer resistance in other bacteria. [2] Until recently these ordinary bowel commensals languished as misclassiÞ ed streptococci and were commonly perceived 'as organisms which did not cause major or serious infection'.[3] The medical importance of Enterococci far outweighs the relatively insigniÞ cant proportion of the total adult human commensal they represent.[4] It is ranked as one of the leading organisms causing hospital-borne infection. In USA alone, eight lakh cases of enterococcal infections occur each year. AbstractEnterococcus, considered a normal commensal of intestinal tract, is fast emerging as a pathogen causing serious and life threatening hospital borne infections. This is attributed to acquisition of multi drug resistance and virulence factors of the organisms. The sequencing of Enterococcus faecalis has given a lot of insight into its genetic makeup. The E. faecalis strain V583, which has been sequenced, contains a total of 3182 open reading frames (ORFs) with 1760 of these showing similarity to known proteins and 221 of u...

The primary focus of the study is to investigate the aetiology of the bacteria to bridge the gap between inadequate knowledge of bacterial growth in the pani and its role in food poisoning.Aims and objectives: Isolation of bacteria in "pani" sold with popular street food chaat in Bengaluru Identifi cation of bacteria in "pani" sold with popular street food chaat in Bengaluru.Procedure: 100 samples of pani purchased from the vendor in a parcel container was transferred to a sterile container of 30 mL capacity. The pani was streaked on MacConkey agar and Samonella Shigella agar and incubated at 37°centigrade overnight. After overnight incubation, the plates of agar were observed for growth. If growth was observed, the isolated colonies were taken up for identifi cation by performing the requisite biochemical reactions. If growth was not observed after overnight incubation, the plates were further incubated for 24 hours. If no growth was observed even on Selenite F broth subcultured plates, the pani was considered sterile and free of aerobic bacteria.Results: Of the 100 samples collected, growth of Non Lactose fermenters were reported in 12%; Lactose fermenters were 33% of which E.coli were 23% and Klebsiella were 14%; Enterococci were 16%; Suspected faecal contaminated samples were 51%; Candida were 39% and no growth was reported in 4% of samples. The above coliform bacteria indicate faecal contamination and pose a threat to humans health. Caution must be exercised to prevent the diseases caused by them. This health hazard was found in street stalls as well as in established restaurants which refl ect the magnitude of disease risk in the community. Regularised food inspection should be conducted by Health Inspectors to determine and ensure compliance of food safety standards. Conclusion:The isolation of the above mentioned organisms is unacceptable by the minimum standards of safe and wholesome drinking water and food safety standards. The isolated enteric bacteria play a role in food poisoning with high mortality and morbidity, particularly in developing nations, and avoidance of street vended food is key to its prevention.