Enterococcus faecalis is Inactivated by Germicidal UV-C Light

Last Updated on May 20, 2024

What is Enterococcus faecalis?

Enterococcus faecalis (formerly known as Streptococcus faecalis) is a species of bacteria that resides predominantly in human gastrointestinal tracts but is also found in the oral cavity and vagina . Within the gastro system, it is typically not harmful. It is even beneficial as a probiotic in normal concentrations. However, when the bacteria becomes too numerous, it can spread to other parts of the body, causing serious infections such as intraabdominal infections, bacteremia (bacteria in the blood), and endocarditis. For this reason, it is called an opportunistic pathogen . When it enters wounds, blood, or urine during surgery, it can spread to other areas of the body and cause more serious infections like sepsis, endocarditis, and meningitis. It is also responsible for many urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to its transmission via catheter. According to Medical News Today , Enterococcus faecalis is responsible for approximately 80 percent of cases of human infection. In the United States, around 50,000 cases are reported annually, approximately 10% of those resulting in death .

Of the 18 different species of Enterococci bacteria, Enterococcus faecalis is one of the most common. In healthy people, it rarely causes problems. But people who have pre-existing health conditions, are immune-compromised, or are elderly are more likely to get sick. Many of these infections spread in hospitals due to the reduced immunity prevalent, and the many opportunities for infusion.

You’re more likely to contract an infection from Enterococcus faecalis if you:

• are receiving treatment in a hospital
• have a health condition, such as with HIV or AIDS, that weakens the immune system
• have open or healing wounds
• have impaired mobility
• have a history of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• have had a root canal
• are having cancer treatment
• are having dialysis
• are receiving an organ transplant

Preventing the Spread of Enterococcus faecalis

Enterococcus faecalis can spread by the following means:

• Within one’s own gastrointestinal system
• Close contact with an infected person, via physical contact
• Contact with objects or surfaces that are contaminated by the bacteria
• Contact with human feces

Unfortunately in recent years, there’s been an increase in drug-resistant strains of this bacteria. Today, many antibiotics no longer work against infections caused by these tenacious bacteria, which leads to serious complications in patients or even death. Scientists have found that Enterococcus faecalis cells are capable of forming “microbial communities”, attaching to other cells to form a strong defense against antibiotic therapy. As a result, most physicians prescribe a combination of antibiotics in an attempt to combat infection.

Get Additional Protection with Germicidal UV Disinfection

The sanitization of patient rooms and medical devices can be enhanced when germicidal UV surface disinfection is added to an existing routine. The UV-C dosage listed below can inactivate the Enterococcus faecalis in many applications, including hospitals and healthcare facilities. Our products use STER-L-RAY® Germicidal UV-C Lamps   producing ultraviolet wavelengths at 254 nanometers, the region of germicidal effectiveness most destructive to harmful microorganisms.

Enterococcus faecalis: Classification & UV-C Dose for Inactivation

Organism:	Alternate Name:	Type:	Disease:	UV Dose*:
Enterococcus faecalis	Streptococcus Faecalis	Bacteria	Urinary tract infection, meningitis,            endocarditis, bacteremia, septicemia	8.60 mJ/cm2

Enterococcus faecalis Symptoms

The most common symptoms associated with Enterococcus faecalis are as follows:

• fatigue / lightheadedness / confusion
• swelling in the gums
• painful urination
• stomach cramping
• vomiting and nausea
• fever and chills
• headache
• diarrhea
• tachypnea, which is fast, shallow breathing
• chest pain
• stiffness in the neck

Possible Complications from Enterococcus faecalis

Some Enterococcus faecalis infections can cause:

• a urinary tract infection
• bacteremia, which is the medical term for bacteria in the blood
• an abdominal or pelvic infection
• an oral infection, particularly after a root canal
• septicemia, which was once called blood poisoning
• an infection in a wound
• endocarditis, an infection of the lining of the heart
• enterococcal meningitis

Sources on Enterococcus faecalis

The above information can be found on the following pages. Please read complete articles to learn more.

• Medical News Today: What is Entero faecalis?
• BMC Infectious Diseases
• Healthline: Enterococcus Faecalis
• Verywell Health: Enterococcus faecalis

* Nominal Ultraviolet dosage necessary to inactivate better than 99% of microorganisms. See sources below.

1. Sensitivity of Bacteria, Protozoa, Viruses, and Other Microorganisms to Ultraviolet Radiation. Journal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Volume 126, Article No. 126021, 2021.

Learn More & Shop Our Products to Inactivate Enterococcus faecalis

Made in the USA from U.S. and imported parts, Air & Surface Disinfection product lines from Atlantic Ultraviolet Corporation^® are constructed of the highest quality materials and use germicidal UV-C lamps to disinfect water and surfaces, inactivating microorganisms like Enterococcus faecalis.

Learn Here at Ultraviolet.com

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View our infographic on Enterococcus faecalis