Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

Characterization of a Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Derived from Oreochromis spp. Farms Using Whole-Genome Sequencing
09:44

Characterization of a Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Derived from Oreochromis spp. Farms Using Whole-Genome Sequencing

Published on: December 23, 2022

Colonization of returning travelers with CTX-M-producing Escherichia coli

Gisele Peirano1, Kevin B Laupland, Daniel B Gregson

  • 1Division of Microbiology, Calgary Laboratory Services, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Journal of Travel Medicine
|September 8, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Foreign travel significantly increases the risk of acquiring CTX-M-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections. Travelers, especially those visiting Africa or the Indian subcontinent, are more likely to carry these antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Foreign travel is a known risk factor for acquiring infections caused by CTX-M-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli).
  • CTX-M enzymes confer resistance to cefotaxime, a key antibiotic.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli in travelers compared to non-travelers.
  • To identify specific travel destinations associated with higher rates of ESBL-producing E. coli.

Main Methods:

  • Stool samples from travelers and non-travelers were cultured on selective media for ESBL-producing E. coli.
  • Molecular techniques, including PCR and sequencing, were used for characterization of resistance genes (blaCTX-Ms, blaTEMs, blaSHVs), quinolone resistance determinants, and E. coli strains (O25-ST131, phylogenetic groups).
  • Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequencing typing were employed for strain typing.

Main Results:

  • Out of 226 individuals, 31 (14%) had ESBL-producing E. coli; 195 (86%) were negative.
  • Travelers were 5.2 times more likely to have ESBL-producing E. coli than non-travelers.
  • Highest positivity rates were linked to travel to Africa and the Indian subcontinent. CTX-M-15 was the most common CTX-M type, and clone ST131 was prevalent.

Conclusions:

  • Foreign travel, particularly to Africa and the Indian subcontinent, is a significant risk factor for rectal colonization with CTX-M-producing E. coli.
  • This highlights the role of international travel in the global dissemination of these multidrug-resistant bacteria.

More Related Videos

Assessment of Intestinal Transcytosis of Neonatal Escherichia coli Bacteremia Isolates08:32

Assessment of Intestinal Transcytosis of Neonatal Escherichia coli Bacteremia Isolates

Published on: February 17, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Colonisation of Pathogens01:25

Colonisation of Pathogens

Pathogen colonization of host tissues is a critical step in the development of infectious diseases. Various pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, have evolved complex strategies to attach to, invade, and persist within host environments. These mechanisms enable pathogens to establish infections, evade immune responses, and resist antimicrobial treatments.Attachment to Host CellsIn bacteria, colonization typically begins with adherence to host epithelial...
Cholera01:25

Cholera

Cholera is an acute gastrointestinal disease caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is transmitted primarily via the fecal-oral route through the ingestion of contaminated water or food.Vibrio cholerae is a motile, Gram-negative bacterium of the family Vibrionaceae, primarily associated with waterborne outbreaks in areas with inadequate sanitation. Although over 200 serogroups of V. cholerae exist, only O1 and O139 are responsible for epidemic cholera. The O1 serogroup,...
Amebiasis01:28

Amebiasis

Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...