Genomic Characterization of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Associated with Multiple Sources, United States

In the United States, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) outbreaks cause >265,000 infections and cost $280 million annually. We investigated REPEXH01, a persistent strain of STEC O157:H7 associated with multiple sources, including romaine lettuce and recreational water, that has caused multiple outbreaks since emerging in late 2015. By comparing the genomes of 729 REPEXH01 isolates with those of 2,027 other STEC O157:H7 isolates, we identified a highly conserved, single base pair deletion in espW that was strongly linked to REPEXH01 membership. The biological consequence of that deletion remains unclear; further studies are needed to elucidate its role in REPEXH01. Additional analyses revealed that REPEXH01 isolates belonged to Manning clade 8; possessed the toxins stx2a, stx2c, or both; were predicted to be resistant to several antimicrobial compounds; and possessed a diverse set of plasmids. Those factors underscore the need to continue monitoring REPEXH01 and clarify aspects contributing to its emergence and persistence.