Virulence gene detection and antimicrobial resistance analysis of Enterococcus faecium in captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in China.

Background: The emergence of multidrug resistance among enterococci makes effective treatment of enterococcal infections more challenging. Giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) are vulnerable to oral trauma and lesions as they feast on bamboo. Enterococci may contaminate such oral lesions and cause infection necessitating treatment with antibiotics.