Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide for Exam Success

Enterococcus faecalis is recognized as the primary species responsible for the majority of Enterococcus infections in humans. While Enterococcus faecium has become increasingly significant, particularly in hospital-acquired infections and due to its antibiotic resistance, Enterococcus faecalis remains more prevalent overall in clinical settings. This species is commonly associated with urinary tract infections, endocarditis, and wound infections, often found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans.

Understanding the overall distribution of Enterococcus species is important for infection control and epidemiology, as it helps healthcare providers anticipate and manage potential infections effectively. In contrast, the other species listed, such as Enterococcus durans and Enterococcus hirae, are less commonly associated with infections in clinical settings, contributing to a much smaller portion of infectious cases. The prominence of Enterococcus faecalis in the context of human infections underscores the importance of recognizing it as a key pathogen in healthcare-related contexts.