Enterococcus dispar

Enterococcus dispar is a species of Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic bacteria belonging to the genus Enterococcus. It was first isolated from human clinical samples and described as a novel species in 1991 by Collins and colleagues.

Enterococcus dispar
Scientific classification
Domain:	Bacteria
Kingdom:	Bacillati
Phylum:	Bacillota
Class:	Bacilli
Order:	Lactobacillales
Family:	Enterococcaceae
Genus:	Enterococcus
Species:	E. dispar
Binomial name
Enterococcus dispar Collins et al. 1991
Type strain
ATCC 51266, CCM 4282, CCUG 33309, CECT 4310, CIP 103646, DSM 6630, HAMBI 2231, LMG 13521, NBRC 100678, NCFB 2821, NCIMB 13000, VTT E-97810, DSMZ 6630, E18-1, Facklam E18-1, GIFU 12713, GTC 547, LMG 13521QC10/01, Terumo1432

Etymology

The species name dispar is derived from Latin, meaning "different" or "unequal", reflecting its distinction from other enterococcal species based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics.

Taxonomy

Enterococcus dispar was delineated as a separate species within the genus Enterococcus based on differences in 16S rRNA gene sequences and other phenotypic traits. The type strain is designated as E18-1 and is deposited under multiple culture collection numbers, including ATCC 51266 and DSM 6630.

Morphology and physiology

Enterococcus dispar cells are ovoid-shaped, measuring approximately 0.6–2.0 μm in length, and typically occur in pairs or short chains. They are non-motile, non-spore-forming, and exhibit a thick peptidoglycan cell wall characteristic of Gram-positive bacteria. The species grows optimally at 37 °C under microaerophilic conditions and is catalase-negative.

Genomics

The genome of the type strain ATCC 51266 has been sequenced, revealing a genome size of approximately 2.81 Mb with a GC content of 37.17%. The genome comprises 2,630 coding sequences, including genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism, stress response, and potential virulence factors.

Ecology

While initially isolated from human clinical specimens, E. dispar has also been detected in various environmental sources, including traditionally fermented foods. For instance, strain CoE-457-22 was isolated from Montenegrin dry sausage, indicating the species' presence in food microbiota.

Clinical significance

Although less commonly associated with human disease compared to other enterococcal species, E. dispar has been isolated from clinical samples, suggesting potential opportunistic pathogenicity. Its role in human health and disease requires further investigation.