Figure 2.

Comprehensive overview of the virulence factors of the ESKAPE pathogens. In the case of both Gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter sp.), the host evasion is orchestrated by the recurring events: adhesion to the host cells, Degradation by a range of degradative enzymes and toxins establishes biofilm to trigger the innate immune pathways and further deteriorates the cellular homeostasis of the host cell. In addition, these bacteria also transfer their virulence factors through horizontal gene transfer, which leads to persistent infections. Created with BioRender.com.