Enterococcus faecium is Inactivated by Germicidal UV Light

What is Enterococcus faecium?

In the depths of the human and animal gastrointestinal tract lay colonies of a bacterium called Enterococcus faecium. Part of the Streptococcus genus since their discovery in 1899, they were ultimately found to have more commonalities with the nucleic acid of enterococci. Thus, in 1984, they were reassignedopen_in_new to that family of bacteria. They are typically acquired in medical facilities via direct contact with infected medical apparatuses and staff, resulting in a myriad of nosocomial infections. Animals can also contract diseaseopen_in_new, from the environment or other animals, via food or by contact with animal feces.

E. faecium is an opportunistic pathogen which can cause serious illnessopen_in_new in the elderly and others with weakened immune systems. On a positive note, E. faecium has been known to act as a probioticopen_in_new, particularly in animals, fighting off other more deadly microbes such as E. coli and sparing the host from gastrointestinal diseasesopen_in_new.

The 1970s saw enterococci become the leading cause of healthcare-associated infectionsopen_in_new. Of the over 50 strains in the Enterrococcus genus, E. faecium and E. faecalis are the two which result in the most infectionsopen_in_new in humans, and are considered the most difficult to treatopen_in_new.

Where Does it Colonize?

Hospital room with beds — Medical Environments

Hand with microscopic germs showing on it — Skin

What can it Infect?

Man with heart showing through chest — Heart

Man with heart and veins showing through skin — Bloodstream

Woman with urinary tract showing — Urinary Tract

How does it Spread?

Hand resting on hospital bed handrail with IV — Contaminated Surfaces & Equipment

Preventing the Spread of Enterococcus faecium

E. faecium has a tenacity to resist antibiotics, thriving in hospital environments where these drugs are usually the first line of defense. This stubborn little bug can survive in difficult conditionsopen_in_new and on inanimate objects. A common means of transmission of the microbe is via healthcare worker’s hands.

The spread of E. faecium in humans can be minimized by:

Removing IVs and catheters as soon as they are no longer needed
Getting plenty of rest
Washing hands frequently
Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
Avoiding contact with medical equipment in hospitals and other facilities
Reducing unnecessary antibiotic use
Seeking medical advice if you suspect you are infected

The spread of E. faecium in animals can be minimized by:

Regularly cleaning and disinfecting animal housing
Disposing animal waste properly
Practicing good hygiene when handling animals
Following veterinary advice
Regularly monitoring animal populations for the presence of bacteria

Get More Protection with UV Disinfection

In addition to the above preventative measures, germicidal ultraviolet (UV-C) surface disinfection can inactivate Enterococcus faecium in high-risk locations such as hospitals, medical facilities, nursing homes, veterinary clinics, and farms. Shop our products at AtlanticUltraviolet.comopen_in_new.

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Our germicidal lamps produce ultraviolet wavelengths at 254 nanometers, the region of maximum germicidal effectiveness. Read our FAQ blog post to learn more. See UV-C doses below.

Enterococcus faecium: Classification & UV-C Dose for Inactivation

Organism:	Alternate Name:	Type:	Disease:	*UV Dose:**
Enterococcus faecium	VRE, Streptococcus faecium	Bacteria	UTIs, endocarditis, bacteremia	9.0 mJ/cm²

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

Looking to inactivate another pathogen? View our complete list of UV-C doses for neutralizing many more bacteria, viruses, protozoa, mold, and yeast.

People at High Risk of Infection

The following individuals are at high risk of Enterococcus faecium infection:

Patients experiencing prolonged hospitalization
Those residing in long-term care facilities
The elderly or those with weakened immune systems
Antibiotic-exposed patients
People with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or kidney disease
Dialysis and cancer patients
Those using an IV or catheter

Enterococcus faecium Symptoms

Depending on the location of the infection, symptoms from exposure to E. faecium can include urinary tract issues, bloodstream infections, or wound complications.

Enterococcus faecium symptoms include the following:

Fever
Chills
Body ache
Nausea and vomiting
Urge to urinate

Burning during urination
Lower back pain
Soreness and swelling
Fluid leakage (from wounds)

Possible Complications from Enterococcus faecium

Besides urinary tract and wound infections, some more serious ailments resulting from E. faecium may include:

Endocarditis (infection of the heart’s inner lining or valves)
Bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream)
Sepsis (immune system disorder)
Meningitis (brain membrane infection)

These all may lead to life-threatening conditions — and in the most serious cases, death.

Sources on Enterococcus faecium

The above information can be found on the following pages:

Dosage Source

Sensitivity of Bacteria, Protozoa, Viruses, and Other Microorganisms to Ultraviolet Radiationopen_in_new. Journal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Volume 126, Article No. 126021. August 20, 2021.

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