Phylogenomic analysis of a highly virulent Escherichia coli ST83 lineage with potential animal-human transmission

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Ksiezarek, M (Author) Other; Novais, A (Author) Other; Felga, H (Author) Other; Mendes, F (Author) Other; Escobar, M (Author) Other; Luisa Peixe (Author) FFUP

Journal

Title: Microbial Pathogenesis

Vol. 155

ISSN: 0882-4010

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00T-WD7

DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104920

Abstract (EN): The presence of specific virulence features conditions severe forms of urinary tract disease, but the frequency and distribution of these highly virulent extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli strains in animals and humans is unclear. We used whole genome sequencing, comparative genomics, histological and clinical data to characterize the genetic basis for pathogenesis and origin of E. coli Ec_151217, a strain (B2, ST83, O83:H5:K5) that caused an extremely aggressive upper urinary tract infection (UTI) in a cat. We show that Ec_151217 and 52% of other highly related ST83 genomes (O6 and O83) identified from different animal species and human infections carry two copies of the hemolysin A operon, though this duplication is infrequent (similar to 1%) among closed ExPEC genomes from multiple sources. Our data enlarges the list of E. coli genetic backgrounds carrying hlyA operon duplication which is potentially involved in severity of UTI, and demonstrates that it seems to occur infrequently amongst ExPEC. Its identification in E. coli lineages (diverse ST83 serotypes) of potential animal-human transmission is of concern and anticipates the need to screen larger collections.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 4