Enterococci

- g+, non-spore forming cocci - aerotolerant anaerobes - grow between 10-45C, some at 50C - some survive pasteurization temps - more resistant than coliforms to refrigeration temp, freezing, drying, low pH, and salt - found in intestinal tract of humans and warm-blooded animals, birds, and insects - can survive longer than coliforms - ex. Enterococcus spp: Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus fecium