The Interconnection between Virulence Factors, Biofilm Formation, and Horizontal Gene Transfer in Enterococcus: A Review

Abstract

Bacterial evolution, ecology, and environmental adaptability are all linked processes that facilitate its survival. Enterococci are opportunistic pathogens with an ability to form biofilms during infections and this process is influenced by several virulence factors. The species constitute a substantial group of commensal bacteria and have been found to have a number of virulence factors that are thought to be crucial in aggravating diseases that they cause. These pathogens are essentially resistant to antibiotics and this capability is attributed to their ability to acquire and transfer drug-resistant genes via horizontal gene transfer leading to diverse phenotypes. Enterococci have several virulence factors that confer their resistant nature and they are broadly categorized into two: surface factors that aid with colonization of the host and proteins that are secreted by the pathogen to damage the host tissues. Biofilm formation by enterococci is attributed to its surface components and aggregation substances that aid in the adherence to the host’s surface and hence limiting antibiotic penetration. Bacterial biofilms also contribute to its resistance to antimicrobial drugs and hence posing a challenge in attempts to eradicate the pathogen. Therefore, the interconnection between virulence, biofilm formation, and horizontal gene transfer leads to pathogenesis in enterococci.