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Updated: Jul 25, 2025
Characterization of a Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Derived from Oreochromis spp. Farms Using Whole-Genome Sequencing
Published on: December 23, 2022
Using source-associated mobile genetic elements to identify zoonotic extraintestinal E. coli infections.
Cindy M Liu1,2, Maliha Aziz1, Daniel E Park1
1Antibiotic Resistance Action Center, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 800 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20052, USA.
Foodborne zoonotic Escherichia coli (FZEC) cause approximately 8% of human extraintestinal infections, primarily urinary tract infections. Certain FZEC strains show high virulence potential, highlighting the need for One Health strategies to reduce transmission.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common cause of human infections, with transmission from animals to humans being a significant concern.
- The specific contribution of foodborne zoonotic E. coli (FZEC) to human disease burden and their characteristics are not well-defined.
- A One Health approach is crucial for understanding pathogen transmission across animal and human populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the proportion of human extraintestinal E. coli infections caused by FZEC.
- To identify distinguishing genomic features and virulence potential of FZEC strains.
- To develop a novel model for predicting E. coli origins and inform public health interventions.
Main Methods:
- Comparative genomic analysis of 3,111 clinical and meat-source E. coli isolates.
- Identification of 17 source-associated mobile genetic elements (plasmids, bacteriophages).
- Development and application of a Bayesian latent class model to predict isolate origins.
Main Results:
- Approximately 8% of human extraintestinal E. coli infections in the study population were attributed to FZEC.
- FZEC strains demonstrated similar disease-causing potential as non-FZEC strains.
- Two FZEC lineages (ST131-H22 and ST58) exhibited notably high virulence potential.
- FZEC collectively cause more urinary tract infections than single non-E. coli uropathogenic species.
Conclusions:
- FZEC contribute significantly to the human extraintestinal E. coli disease burden, particularly urinary tract infections.
- The developed genomic and modeling approach effectively predicts E. coli sources.
- Findings support the implementation of One Health strategies to mitigate FZEC-related public health risks.
