As the most frequently found pathogen of persistent periapical infections, Enterococcus faecalis（E.faecalis） can survive for long periods as starvation status in nutrient-limited environment. In the starvation phase, E. faecalis possesses the biofilm formation capability with low metabolism activity and increased resistance to environmental stress. The review is focused on starvation status and viable but nonculturable status of E.faecalis, the growth condition, biofilm formation capability and resistance to various stresses of E.faecalis under starvation phase.
