Unexpected Cell Wall Alteration-Mediated Bactericidal Activity of the Antifungal Caspofungin Against Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Faecium

Enterococcus faecium has become a major opportunistic pathogen with the emergence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). As part of the gut microbiota, they have to cope with numerous stresses, including effects of antibiotics and other xenobiotics, especially in patients hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs) who receive many medications. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the most frequently prescribed xenobiotics for ICU patients on fitness, pathogenicity, and antimicrobial resistance of the vanB -positive E. faecium Aus0004 reference strain.