Wounds

Study links Enterococcus faecalis metabolism to stalled healing in chronic wounds

January 20, 2026 Reported by AI Image generated by AI Fact checked

Researchers report that Enterococcus faecalis—a bacterium often found in chronic wounds—can hinder skin repair by generating hydrogen peroxide through a metabolic pathway, triggering stress responses that stop key skin cells from migrating. In laboratory experiments, breaking down the peroxide with the antioxidant enzyme catalase helped restore cell movement, suggesting a potential treatment approach that does not rely on antibiotics.