We know that many vegetive bacteria can survive on dry surfaces for longer than you might think. For some Enterococcus species, this capability is nothing short of extraordinary. In one study, Enterococcus dried onto a surface was still viable 4 years (yes FOUR YEARS) later! How can this be? No nutrients, no water (other than ambient humidity), and not an endospore former. A recent paper in the JHI may have some answers: Enterococcus is able to form dry surface biofilms and these contain viable Enterococcus many months after inoculation, regardless of species and substrate.