The article reviews the ecology, epidemiology, and virulence of *Enterococcus* species, highlighting their role as both beneficial and harmful bacteria. *Enterococcus* species are Gram-positive, catalase-negative, non-spore-forming, and facultatively anaerobic bacteria commonly found in the human gut, as well as in environmental and animal sources. They possess a range of virulence factors, including extracellular proteins and aggregation substances, which aid in colonization of the host. However, they have also become significant nosocomial pathogens, with increasing resistance to antibiotics such as vancomycin. Understanding their ecology, epidemiology, and virulence is crucial for managing infections like urinary tract infections, endocarditis, and bacteraemia, as well as for combating the rise of antibiotic resistance. The taxonomy of *Enterococcus* has evolved, with species like *E. faecalis* and *E. faecium* being the most common. These species are distinguished by their Lancefield group D antigen and their ability to grow in high salt concentrations. The genus is now recognized as distinct from *Streptococcus*, with 28 species identified. *Enterococcus* species are also known for producing bacteriocins, which are antimicrobial peptides that can inhibit other bacteria. These bacteriocins play a role in both food safety and medical applications. The physiology of *Enterococcus* species allows them to thrive in a wide range of environments, including high temperatures, varying pH levels, and high salt concentrations. They are capable of forming biofilms, which contribute to their persistence and resistance to environmental stresses. Their ability to form biofilms is also linked to their role in causing infections such as endodontic and urinary tract infections. The virulence of *Enterococcus* species is influenced by factors such as the ability to adhere to host tissues, produce extracellular surface proteins, and form biofilms. These traits contribute to their pathogenicity and ability to cause disease. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains, particularly vancomycin-resistant *Enterococcus* (VRE), has raised concerns about the spread of resistance in both clinical and food environments. The article emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of *Enterococcus* species to manage their potential as pathogens and to address the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance. This includes studying their ecology, virulence factors, and the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, which are essential for developing effective strategies to control their spread and reduce the impact of enterococcal infections.The article reviews the ecology, epidemiology, and virulence of *Enterococcus* species, highlighting their role as both beneficial and harmful bacteria. *Enterococcus* species are Gram-positive, catalase-negative, non-spore-forming, and facultatively anaerobic bacteria commonly found in the human gut, as well as in environmental and animal sources. They possess a range of virulence factors, including extracellular proteins and aggregation substances, which aid in colonization of the host. However, they have also become significant nosocomial pathogens, with increasing resistance to antibiotics such as vancomycin. Understanding their ecology, epidemiology, and virulence is crucial for managing infections like urinary tract infections, endocarditis, and bacteraemia, as well as for combating the rise of antibiotic resistance. The taxonomy of *Enterococcus* has evolved, with species like *E. faecalis* and *E. faecium* being the most common. These species are distinguished by their Lancefield group D antigen and their ability to grow in high salt concentrations. The genus is now recognized as distinct from *Streptococcus*, with 28 species identified. *Enterococcus* species are also known for producing bacteriocins, which are antimicrobial peptides that can inhibit other bacteria. These bacteriocins play a role in both food safety and medical applications. The physiology of *Enterococcus* species allows them to thrive in a wide range of environments, including high temperatures, varying pH levels, and high salt concentrations. They are capable of forming biofilms, which contribute to their persistence and resistance to environmental stresses. Their ability to form biofilms is also linked to their role in causing infections such as endodontic and urinary tract infections. The virulence of *Enterococcus* species is influenced by factors such as the ability to adhere to host tissues, produce extracellular surface proteins, and form biofilms. These traits contribute to their pathogenicity and ability to cause disease. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains, particularly vancomycin-resistant *Enterococcus* (VRE), has raised concerns about the spread of resistance in both clinical and food environments. The article emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of *Enterococcus* species to manage their potential as pathogens and to address the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance. This includes studying their ecology, virulence factors, and the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, which are essential for developing effective strategies to control their spread and reduce the impact of enterococcal infections.