ABSTRACT
Enterococci belong to the Lancefield group D streptococci. In contrast to other groups of streptococci, the wall of the group D antigen is not a carbohydrate but rather a glycerol teichoic acid containing glucose and D-alanine. The enterococci need to be distinguished from the non-enterococcal group D species and to be classified as a separate genus. They have neither the physiological characteristics nor the antibiotic sensitivities of Streptococcus bovis and Streptococcus equinus. The enterococci can be subdivided on the basis of biochemical reactions into Streptococcus faecalis (85% to 90%), S. faecium (5% to 15%), and S. durans. The enterococci constitute part of the normal flora to the oral cavity, colon, gallbladder, anterior portion of the urethra, endocervical, and vaginal perineal areas of women.
