What is the Difference Between Staphylococcus Aureus and Enterococcus Faecalis

The main difference between Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis is that Staphylococcus aureus produces the enzyme catalase and breaks down hydrogen peroxide, whereas Enterococcus faecalis does not produce the enzyme catalase.

The human body is a habitat for different types of microorganisms, such as various types of bacteria. Microorganisms can live in different parts of the human body, such as the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, skin, stomach, etc. These microorganisms may grow and replicate within the human body or may come into the human body from the outside environment. These microorganisms have different effects on the body, either beneficial or harmful. Some microorganisms cause disease and infections, while others help to maintain the body’s overall health and function. Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis are also examples of microorganisms that can live on different parts of the human body.

Key Areas Covered 

1. What is Staphylococcus aureus
     – Definition, Features, Infections
2. What is Enterococcus faecalis
     – Definition, Features, Infections
3. Similarities Between Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Staphylococcus Aureus, Enterococcus faecalis

What is Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive bacterium. It is one of the most common bacteria that cause diseases in humans. It causes skin and soft tissue infections such as cellulitis, furuncles, abscesses, bacteremia, infective endocarditis, septic arthritis, pulmonary infections, and urinary tract infection.

Most of the infections caused by bacteria are harmless, but sometimes Staphylococcus aureus causes serious infections such as bone and joint infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia. Often, Staphylococcus aureus spreads by contaminated hands. Staphylococcus aureus is mostly found in the surrounding environment and on the human skin and mucous membranes, mostly in the nasal area in healthy humans. Generally, skin and mucous membranes act as barriers to infections. But if there is any damage in membranes, Staphylococcus aureus can enter underlining tissues or the bloodstream through the damaged site and cause infections. Though Staphylococcus bacteria cause skin infections when they enter the bloodstream, on the surface of the human skin, they do not cause any harm.

Furthermore, these bacteria are cocci-shaped. They are arranged in clusters similar to grape clusters. These organisms grow under aerobic or anaerobic conditions in the temperature range of 18^oC to 40^oC.

What is Enterococcus faecalis

Enterococcus faecalis is a gram-positive commensal bacterium. There are 18 different species of these bacteria. This bacterium is used as a probiotic. These bacteria are found in the gastrointestinal tract of the body. They also live in the mouth and vagina too. They can survive in a variety of environments, including acidic environments, salty environments, and hot environments.

When they are in the intestines, they are not harmful to humans. If they spread across the other parts of the body, like the urinary tract, bloodstream, or wound sites, they may cause serious infections. It can spread across to the other parts of the body, causing serious infections like meningitis, endocarditis, and sepsis.

Enterococcus faecalis usually do not cause any infection in healthy people but may cause infections in people with poor health conditions. This bacterium spreads across people with poor hygiene and health habits. This bacterium is also found in feces. If the hands are not properly washed after using the bathroom, these bacteria can spread by unclean hands. The spread of these bacteria is also common in hospitals.

Similarities Between Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis

• Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis are both gram-positive bacteria that commonly colonize human skin, mucous membranes, and the gastrointestinal tract.
• Both are opportunistic pathogens that can cause infections in humans.
• Moreover, both bacteria are resistant to many antibiotics.

Difference Between Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis

Definition

Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive bacteria that is found on the skin and in the nose of many people, while Enterococcus faecalis is a gram-positive bacteria that is commonly found in the human intestines and in the environment.

Enzyme Catalase

Staphylococcus aureus produces the enzyme catalase and breaks down hydrogen peroxide, whereas Enterococcus faecalis does not produce the enzyme catalase.

Coagulase Test

While Staphylococcus aureus is coagulase positive (it can produce coagulase enzyme and can cause blood clotting), Enterococcus faecalis is coagulase negative.

Infections

Staphylococcus aureus can cause a wide range of infections, such as pneumonia and bloodstream infections, whereas Enterococcus faecalis commonly cause urine infections.

Virulence Factors

Moreover, Staphylococcus aureus produces many virulence factors, whereas Enterococcus faecalis produces less virulent factors.

Conclusion

Microorganisms can live in different parts of the body. One of the most common types of such microorganisms is bacteria, which may cause infections in the human body. Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis are two such bacteria. The main difference between Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis is that Staphylococcus aureus produces the enzyme catalase and breaks down hydrogen peroxide, whereas Enterococcus faecalis does not produce the enzyme catalase.

Reference:

1. “Staphylococcus Aureus.” National Library of Medicine. 
2. “Enterococcus faecalis.” National Library of Medicine. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Staphylococcus aureus Bacteria” By NIAID (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Enterococcus faecalis” By Dr. Sahay – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia