Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Enterococcus faecalis (formerly known as Streptococcus faecalis) Gram positive, coccus prokaryote dividing. Enterococcus faecalis is a commensal bacterium that causes skin and wound infections such as scalded skin syndrome, scarlet fever, erysipelas and impetigo. It can also cause endocarditis, as well as bladder, prostate, and epididymal infections. Enterococcus faecalis can cause life-threatening infections in humans, especially in the nosocomial (hospital) environments. It has naturally high levels of antibiotic resistance that contribute to its pathogenicity. It was previously classified as a Group D Streptococcus. Magnification: x3,000 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres.