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Updated: May 5, 2026

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Genomic and Pathogenic Characterization of a Novel Capsule-Deficient Neonatal Meningitis-Associated Escherichia coli

Jinchun Cai1, Borui Qi1, Jingjing Ren1

  • 1College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China.

Veterinary Sciences
|May 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

A novel, multidrug-resistant, and capsule-deficient Escherichia coli strain caused severe meningitis and sepsis in calves. Genomic surveillance is crucial for controlling atypical E. coli pathotypes in livestock.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Pathogen surveillance

Background:

  • Neonatal meningitis-associated Escherichia coli (NMEC) poses a significant threat in veterinary medicine.
  • Emerging multidrug-resistant (MDR) NMEC strains complicate disease management.
  • Atypical E. coli pathotypes require continuous monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize a novel, highly virulent, and MDR capsule-deficient NMEC strain isolated from a calf with meningitis.
  • To investigate the genomic features, pathogenicity, and neuroinflammatory potential of the isolate.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-genome sequencing (WGS)
  • Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST)
  • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST)
  • Murine pathogenicity assays
  • RT-qPCR for neuroinflammatory cytokines

Main Results:

  • The isolate (O18ab:H14) was identified as a capsule-deficient NMEC/SEPEC hybrid, phylogroup A, ST1434.
  • The genome contained numerous antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors, potentially compensating for capsule deficiency.
  • The strain exhibited high lethality and severe multi-organ lesions in a murine model, with brain-specific persistence and neuroinflammation (upregulated IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α).

Conclusions:

  • This study details a novel, highly virulent, MDR, capsule-deficient NMEC/SEPEC strain.
  • The findings highlight the need for ongoing genomic surveillance of atypical E. coli in livestock to prevent disease outbreaks.
Keywords:
calf meningitisextraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC)hybrid pathotypemultidrug resistance (MDR)neonatal meningitis-associated E. coli (NMEC)virulence factorswhole-genome sequencing (WGS)

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