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Characteristics

Morphology

Facultatively anaerobic gram-positive bacteria.

Disease

Nosocomial infections, including urinary tract infections, wound infections, and bacteremia.

Zoonosis

High likelihood that it can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Health Hazards

Host Range

Humans and animals.

Modes of Transmission 

Nosocomial and person-to-person; can also be transmitted on food products

Signs and Symptoms 

Can cause urinary tract, wound, and soft tissue infections

Infectious Dose

 Unknown.

Incubation Period 

 Unknown.

Medical Precautions/Treatment

Prophylaxis

None available.

Vaccines

None available.

Treatment

Penicillin, ampicillin, and vancomycin.

Surveillance

Monitor for symptoms.

MSU Requirements 

Report any exposures.

Laboratory Hazards

Laboratory Acquired Infections (LAIs)

 

No cases have been reported.

 Sources

Blood, urine, wound samples, and feces. Cultures, frozen stocks, other samples described in IBC protocol.

Supplemental References

Canadian MSDS:

 https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/laboratory-biosafety-biosecurity/pathogen-safety-data-sheets-risk-assessment/enterococcus-faecalis.html
BMBL:
 https://www.cdc.gov/labs/BMBL.html
NIH Guidelines
 https://osp.od.nih.gov/wp-content/uploads/NIH_Guidelines.pdf
Risk Group & Containment Requirements
Risk Group 2

Agents that are associated with human disease which is rarely serious and for which preventive or therapeutic interventions are often available.
BSL2
For all procedures involving suspected or known infectious specimen or cultures.
ABSL2
For all procedures utilizing infected animals.
Spill Procedures
Small
Notify others working in the lab. Remove PPE and don new PPE. Cover area of the spill with absorbent material and add fresh 1:10 bleach:water. Allow 20 munutes (or as directed) of contact time. After 20 minutes, cleanup and dispose of materials.
Large
  • Immediately notify all personnel in the lab and clear all personnel from the area. Remove any contaminated PPE/clothing and leave the lab. 
  • Secure the area by locking doors, posting signage and guarding the area to keep people out of the space. 
For assistance, contact MSU's Biosafety Officer (406-994-6733) or Safety and Risk Management (406-994-2711).
Exposure Procedures
Mucous membrane
Flush eyes, mouth, or nose for 5 minutes at eyewash station.
Other Exposures
Wash area with soap and water for 5 minutes.
Reporting
Immediately report incident to supervisor, complete a First Report of Injury form, and submit to Safety and Risk Management.
Medical Follow-up
During business hours: Bridger Occupational Health 3406 Laramie Drive. Weekdays 8am -6pm.  Weekends 9am-5pm
After business hours: Bozeman Deaconess Hospital Emergency Room 915 Highland Blvd Bozeman, MT

Viability

Disinfection

Susceptible to 1:10 bleach:water, 70 % ethanol, accelerated hydrogen peroxide

Inactivation

Inactivated by moist heat (121°C for 30 min)

Survival Outside Host

Can survive 5 days to 4 months on dry inanimate surfaces. Can grow and survive in harsh environments, and persist almost anywhere including soil, plants, water, and food.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Minimum PPE Requirements
Lab coat, disposable gloves, safety glasses, closed toed shoes, long pants
Additional Precautions
 Additioanl PPE may be required depending on lab specific SOPs and IBC Protocol.