Enterococcus cecorum

Enterococcus cecorum is a species of Gram-positive and facultatively anaerobic bacteria in the genus Enterococcus within the family Enterococcaceae. It was originally described as a member of the genus Streptococcus but later reclassified based on 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic evidence.

Ecology

The species name cecorum refers to the cecum, a part of the intestinal tract where it was first isolated. E. cecorum is part of the normal intestinal microbiota of various animals, particularly poultry, pigs, and ruminants. It has also been detected in humans, though less frequently.

Clinical relevance

While typically considered commensal, E. cecorum has emerged as a significant pathogen in broiler chickens. It is associated with enterococcal spondylitis, osteomyelitis, and septicemia, especially in rapidly growing poultry flocks.