Enterococci are found in the intestinal tract of human beings and animals and can be recovered from feces in large quantities in a colony.
Enterococci may occasionally reside in the vagina and oral cavity.
They also may be found in food and water.
They can survive in adverse environmental conditions, such as high temperature, drying, and some antiseptic agents.
Due to this property, Enterococci contaminate surfaces and medical equipment, enabling it to be transmitted to patients via healthcare workers, causing outbreaks.