Shape Follows Function: Gastrointestinal Signals for Enterococcal Colonization

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) is a major cause of nosocomial infections. A new study by McKenney et al. ( Cell Host Microbe 2019;25:695–705.e5) reports that VRE undergo a morphotype switch in response to lithocholic acid (LCA) to facilitate gastrointestinal (GI) tract colonization. This metabolic cue is a potential target to decrease VRE colonization and subsequent transmission of antibiotic resistance.