BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Enterococcus faecalis, as the leading cause of hospital-acquired infections, contains virulence factors which are involved in bacterial colonization, immune system resistance, competition with other microorganisms, and damage to the host through the production of secretory factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of virulence genes in Enterococcus faecalis isolates obtained from fecal samples by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.

METHODS: In this descriptive-analytical study, 200 fecal samples were collected from Kerman medical centers, and 60 Enterococcus faecalis isolates were identified by culturing in selective media (e.g., KF Streptococcus agar) and performing biochemical tests. Multiplex PCR method was used to identify virulence genes.

FINDINGS: Based on the findings, the frequency of Enterococcus faecalis infection was 52% and 48% among females and males, respectively; overall, the frequency of virulence genes was higher in females than males. Also, according to the results, asa1 (80.6%) and cylA (16.1%) genes had the highest and lowest frequencies, respectively, whereas hyl gene was not detectable in any of the samples.

CONCLUSION: As the findings revealed, the frequency of Enterococcus faecalis infection was higher in the female population. Considering the anatomy of female urinary tract and the subsequent recurrent infections in women, the frequency of virulence genes was higher in women.