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Complete sequence of pEC14_114, a highly conserved IncFIB/FIIA plasmid associated with uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Chitrita DebRoy1, Mandeep S Sidhu, Upal Sarker

  • 1Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.

Plasmid
|November 6, 2009
PubMed

Insights

A novel plasmid, pEC14_114, was identified in human uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). This plasmid, carrying virulence genes, was significantly more prevalent in human UPEC than in animal strains.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) cause significant human and animal diseases.
  • ExPEC often harbor plasmids that enhance virulence and reduce antibiotic susceptibility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the complete DNA sequence of a human uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) plasmid, pEC14_114.
  • To investigate the prevalence of pEC14-associated genes in various E. coli isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-genome sequencing of the pEC14_114 plasmid.
  • Bioinformatic analysis of plasmid coding regions.
  • Prevalence analysis of pEC14-associated genes across 1456 E. coli isolates from diverse sources.

Main Results:

  • The pEC14_114 plasmid is 114,222 bp and contains 141 coding regions, including virulence and mobile genetic element genes.
  • Genes associated with pEC14 were found in 16-35% of human UPEC and neonatal meningitis isolates.
  • These genes were significantly less common (0-8%) in food and animal isolates.

Conclusions:

  • pEC14_114 represents a novel IncFIB/FIIA plasmid type linked to human ExPEC of the B2 phylogenetic group.
  • The plasmid is more frequently found in human pathogenic E. coli strains.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the specific role of this plasmid in human ExPEC infections.

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