Coli Pathotypes Research Articles

Microbiological quality of ready-to-eat street foods in Lisbon, Portugal

Street food sector is an important component of the food distribution system in many cities. However, foods exposed for sale on the roadside are generally associated with conditions that favors its potential microbiological contamination. In this study, the microbiological quality of 118 ready-to-eat street foods sold in the metropolitan area of Lisbon, Portugal was evaluated. Mesophilic aerobic bacteria, yeasts, moulds, Enterobacteriaceae and Escherichia coli were used as spoilage/hygiene indicators. Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., coagulase-positive staphylococci (CPS), Clostridium perfringens, Bacillus cereus and E. coli pathotypes implicated in gastrointestinal disease were used as food safety/hygiene indicators. Thirty-five (29.7%) of the samples were classified as satisfactory, 29 (24.6%) as questionable and 51 (43.2%) as unsatisfactory. Three samples (2.6%) were unsatisfactory/ potentially dangerous, due to the presence of the L. monocytogenes > 102 cfu/g and/or B. cereus > 105 and/or CPS > 104. B. cereus genes encoding causative toxins were detected in the strains isolated from two samples containing > 105 cfu/g. Salmonella spp., Clostridium perfringens and pathogenic E. coli were not detected in any of the examined samples. CPS was detected in 26.3% of the samples.A significant relationship between microbiological quality and food groups, with the increase of questionable and unsatisfactory classifications for those samples including raw components, like fruits and vegetables, was observed (Fisher-Freeman-Halton = 29.01, p < 0.001). The obtained data highlights for the need of education and training of street-food vendors to improve the food safety management system in the place of sale.

Pathogenic profile and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli, Escherichia marmotae and Escherichia ruysiae detected from hunted wild boars in Sardinia (Italy)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of E. coli in hunted wild boars in Sardinia (Italy) and to further characterize the isolates with Whole Genome Sequencing to assess the genetic relatedness and the presence of virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. Samples were taken from 66 wild boars between 2020 and 2022 slaughtered in five hunting houses. A total of 181 samples were tested, including 66 samples from mesenteric lymph nodes, 66 samples from colon content and 49 samples from carcass surface. Isolates referable to Escherichia species were detected in all of the wild boars sampled. On a selection of 61 isolates, sequencing was conducted and antimicrobial susceptibility was tested. Among these, three isolates were confirmed to be two Escherichia marmotae (cryptic clade V) and one Escherichia ruysiae (cryptic clade III). E. coli pathotypes identified were UPEC (13 %), ExPEC-UPEC (5.6 %) and ETEC (3.7 %). Moreover, 3/6 E. marmotae isolates had typical ExPEC genes. Genetic similarity was observed in isolates collected from animals slaughtered in the same hunting house; this suggests epidemiological links deriving from the presence of animals infected with closely related strains or the result of cross-contamination. Antimicrobial resistance genes were detected in three non-pathogenic E. coli isolates: one isolate had sul2, tet(B), aph(6)-ld and aph(3″)-lb resistance genes and two had the fosA7 gene. This study confirmed that wild boars can act as reservoirs and spreaders of pathogenic Escherichia species and it provides information for future comparative genomic analysis in wildlife. Although isolates showed a limited resistome, the detection of resistance in non-pathogenic isolates underlines the need to monitor antimicrobial resistance in the wild boar population. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first detection of E. mamotae and E. ruysiae isolates in wild boars in Italy and the presence of this pathogen in wildlife and livestock need to be investigated further.

Short reads-based characterization of pathotype diversity and drug resistance among Escherichia coli isolated from patients attending regional referral hospitals in Tanzania

BackgroundEscherichia coli is known to cause about 2 million deaths annually of which diarrhea infection is leading and typically occurs in children under 5 years old. Although Africa is the most affected region there is little information on their pathotypes diversity and their antimicrobial resistance.ObjectiveTo determine the pathotype diversity and antimicrobial resistance among E. coli from patients attending regional referral hospitals in Tanzania.Materials and methodsA retrospective cross-section laboratory-based study where a total of 138 archived E. coli isolates collected from 2020 to 2021 from selected regional referral hospitals in Tanzania were sequenced using the Illumina Nextseq550 sequencer platform. Analysis of the sequences was done in the CGE tool for the identification of resistance genes and virulence genes. SPSS version 20 was used to summarize data using frequency and proportion.ResultsAmong all 138 sequenced E. coli isolates, the most prevalent observed pathotype virulence genes were of extraintestinal E. coli UPEC fyuA gene 82.6% (114/138) and NMEC irp gene 81.9% (113/138). Most of the E. coli pathotypes observed exist as a hybrid due to gene overlapping, the most prevalent pathotypes observed were NMEC/UPEC hybrid 29.7% (41/138), NMEC/UPEC/EAEC hybrid 26.1% (36/138), NMEC/UPEC/DAEC hybrid 18.1% (25/138) and EAEC 15.2% (21/138). Overall most E. coli carried resistance gene to ampicillin 90.6% (125/138), trimethoprim 85.5% (118/138), tetracycline 79.9% (110/138), ciprofloxacin 76.1% (105/138) and 72.5% (100/138) Nalidixic acid. Hybrid pathotypes were more resistant than non-hybrid pathotypes.ConclusionWhole genome sequencing reveals the presence of hybrid pathotypes with increased drug resistance among E. coli isolated from regional referral hospitals in Tanzania.

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli with Multidrug Resistance in Cattle from Mexico

Mexico is an important producer/exporter of cattle and cattle products. In the last decade, an increase in antibiotic resistance in E. coli pathotype strains from livestock environments has been reported. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of E. coli pathotype strains from the feces of beef or dairy cattle reared in the states of Aguascalientes (AG, central) and Nuevo Leon (NL, northeastern) in Mexico. One hundred and ten fecal samples were collected (beef cattle-AG = 30; dairy cattle-AG = 20; beef cattle-NL = 30; dairy cattle-NL = 30). From these, E. coli was isolated using selective/differential media and confirmed on chromogenic media. Multiplex PCR was used to identify diarrheagenic E. coli, and the Kirby–Bauer technique was used to determine the antimicrobial susceptibilities. All the animals harbored E. coli, and pathotypes were found in 34 animals from both, beef and dairy cattle, mainly from Aguascalientes. Of the positive samples, 31 harbored a single E. coli pathotype, whereas three samples harbored two different pathotypes; EHEC was the most prevalent, followed by EPEC, ETEC, and EIEC or the combination of two of them in some samples. Most pathotype strains (19/37) were isolated from beef cattle. Neither the animals’ productive purpose (beef or dairy cattle) (r = 0.155) nor the geographic regions (Aguascalientes or Nuevo Leon) (r = −0.066) had a strong positive correlation with the number of E. coli pathotype strains. However, animals reared in Aguascalientes had up to 8.5-fold higher risk of harboring E. coli pathotype strains than those reared in Nuevo Leon. All pathotype strains were resistant to erythromycin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and all dairy cattle pathotype strains were further resistant to five β-lactams (χ2, P = 0.017). The existence of these pathotypes and multidrug-resistant pathogens in the food chain is a risk to public health.

Survival of Escherichia coli in Edible Land Snails: Implications for Heliciculture and Public Health.

Land snails are considered a delicacy in many countries in Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. However, the interaction of microbial pathogens with land snails may present a public health threat when handling and/or consuming snails. This study examines the survival of Escherichia coli in edible land snails in a model system. Well-studied Shigatoxigenic (STEC) and non-STEC strains were compared. Mature Helix spp. were experimentally fed with E. coli-inoculated oats for 48 h. The snail feces after inoculation were periodically sampled and cultured for a 30-day period and subjected to microbiological analyses. The average rate of decline of the non-STEC strain CSH-62 in the feces of live snails was significantly (p < 0.05) faster than that of STEC ERL 06-2503. In addition, the viable population of E. coli ERL 06-2503 significantly (p < 0.05) persisted for a longer time in the intestine of land snails than E. coli CSH-62. The results showed that the viable population of the E. coli strains examined demonstrated first-order kinetics, and their survival (CFU/mL) appeared significantly (p < 0.05) dependent on the E. coli pathotype. In addition, the continuous enumeration of E. coli in snail faeces indicated that land snails could serve as a mode of transmission of microbial pathogens to susceptible hosts, including humans. Further research is recommended to better quantify the direct and indirect health risks of pathogen transmission by edible snails to humans.

Application of a Novel Proteomic Microarray Reveals High Exposure to Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli among Children in Zambia Participating in a Phase I Clinical Trial.

Diarrhoeagenic E. coli (DEC) significantly contributes to the burden of diarrhoea among children. Currently, there is no approved vaccine against DEC, but several vaccines against the enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) pathotype are in advanced clinical trial stages, including the ETVAX® vaccine, undergoing evaluation in Zambia. This study reports on the reactivity of antibodies from ETVAX® vaccine and placebo recipients in a phase I clinical trial to proteins derived from (DEC) other than ETEC. Plasma samples collected at two time points (prior to any vaccination and post-third dose vaccination) from 16 vaccinated and 4 placebo participants in a phase 1 clinical trial examining the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of ETVAX® with dmLT adjuvant were evaluated for IgG response to E. coli antigens other than ETEC using the Pan-DEC protein microarray. This was the first field application of the novel pan-DEC array as a new tool in assessing the antigenic breadth of antibody responses induced by the ETVAX vaccine, as well as to assess early life exposure to DEC pathotypes and other bacterial enteric pathogens. We observed that plasma obtained from ETVAX® and placebo recipients had high antibody reactivity to Ipa, SseC and EspB proteins. These findings suggest that there is high exposure early in life to DEC pathogens, like EPEC, EHEC, EAEC and EIEC in addition to ETEC, in the Zambian population. These immunological observations are consistent with the results of recent epidemiological studies assessing the etiology of diarrheal disease among infants and young children in Zambia.

Molecular Identification of Escherichia coli Pathotypes and their Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles in Stool Samples Isolated from Patients in the West of Iran.

Gastroenteritis refers to an infection in the stomach and small intestine that may be caused by bacteria, viruses, and other pathogenic agents. Most strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the gastrointestinal system have shared a symbiotic relationship with humans, but some serotypes are pathogenic. This study aimed to identify E. coli pathotypes isolated from stool samples and determine the antibiotic resistance profiles of these pathotypes in the west of Iran. The study was conducted on 106 samples of diarrheal feces which were sent to Imam Reza laboratory. First E. coli was detected and then the DNA was extracted. Next, the antibiotic sensitivity test was performed by the disk diffusion method. The E. coli pathotypes were qualitatively detected using the Amplisense Escherichioses-FRT PCR kit after DNA extraction from E. coli isolated in the stool sample. In this study, out of 106 E. coli-positive samples, pathogenic E. coli were detected in 62 samples including 5 samples (8.1%) which only contained the EPEC pathotype, 10 samples (16.1%) contained only the EAEC pathotype, and 12 samples (19.4%) had only the EHEC pathotype. ETEC and EIEC were not isolated from any of the samples. The sensitivity to Meropenem (97%) and Gentamicin (96.2%) showed the highest frequency among the samples. The highest level of resistance was related to Amoxicillin (93.4%) and Ampicillin (78%). The epidemiological results show that the predominant pathotype among all isolates is EHEC and most antibiotic resistances were related to Amoxicillin and Ampicillin. Finally, a comprehensive molecular diagnosis of E. coli pathotypes, investigation of their incidence, and antibiogram profiles will help to determine better diagnostic and therapeutic measures for managing diarrheal diseases.

Detection of Some Virulence Genes in Diarrheagenic Escherichia Coli Pathotypes in Children Under Five Years in Aleppo City

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) strains can be classified into six main pathotypes based on their specific virulence properties. These pathotypes are associated with certain serotypes and exhibit distinct epidemiological and clinical features. The identification of DEC cannot be based solely on cultural and biochemical criteria, as they are indistinguishable from the non-pathogenic E. coli. However, the presence of virulence genes and DNA sequences specific to DEC can be used to determine its identity. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) pathotypes among infected children under 5 years living in the city of Aleppo Syria. From June 2020 to September 2021, one hundred samples of diarrheal were collected from children under five years suffering from diarrhea admitted at Aleppo University Hospital and from some private laboratories in Aleppo city. Escherichia coli pathotypes were detected by using multiplex polymerase chain reaction and Phylogenetic genes were detected by Triplex PCR. The frequency of diarrheagenic E. coli was (48%), the most frequently isolated pathotypes were atypical enteropathogenic E. coli. (42%), followed by enterotoxigenic E. coli (4%), and enteroinvasive E. coli (2%). Enterohemorrhagic E. coli, enteroaggregative E. coli and Diffusely Adherent E. coli were not detected in any sample (0%). The most prevalent phylogenetic group of E. coli was "Phylogenetic group B2" which represented (62%), followed by "Phylogenetic group D" that comprised 33%, followed by "Phylogenetic group A" strains (3%). Strains of the "Phylogenetic group B1" were rare (2%). This study revealed that DEC strains contribute to cause diarrheal diseases in children, EPEC is the most commonly identified DEC strain. B2 and D groups are the most prevalent phylogenetic groups. In addition, they are virulent because these groups are associated with the presence of several virulence factors.

Detection of Escherichia coli and other Enterobacteriales members in seabirds sampled along the Brazilian coast.

Escherichia coli, an Enterobacterales member, is a normal representative of the microbiota of homeothermic animals. Most strains are commensal, but several pathotypes can cause disease, and numerous antimicrobial resistance factors have been identified. These bacteria have spread rapidly in recent years, highlighting the importance of screening the environment and non-human reservoirs for virulent strains and/or those presenting resistance factors, in addition to other microorganisms of public health importance. In this context, this study aimed to survey Enterobacteriales present in seabirds sampled along the Brazilian coast, comparing findings between migratory and resident birds, as well as between wrecked and non-wrecked animals. Escherichia coli pathotypes were also characterized through rapid seroagglutination and polymerase chain reaction techniques and antimicrobial resistance profiles were investigated through the disc agar diffusion method. Cloacal, ocular, oral, tracheal, and skin lesion swabs, as well as fresh feces, were collected from 122 seabirds. The findings indicate these animals as important hosts for opportunistic human pathogens. Escherichia coli strains were identified in 70 % of the analyzed seabirds, 62 % of which displaying resistant or intermediate profiles to at least one antimicrobial, while 7% were multiresistant. Resistance to tetracycline (22 %), nalidixic acid (15 %), trimethoprim-sulfamethozaxol (14 %) and ampicillin (12 %) were the most prevalent. Resistance to cefoxitin, a critically important antimicrobial for human medicine, was also detected. Virulence genes for one of the EAEC, ETEC or EPEC pathotypes were detected in 30 % of the identified strains, the first two described in seabirds for the first time. The EAEC gene was detected in 25 % of the sampled seabirds, all resident, 8 % of which exhibited a multidrug-resistant profile. Thus, seabirds comprise important reservoirs for this pathotype. Escherichia coli was proven an ubiquitous and well-distributed bacterium, present in all evaluated bird species and sampling sites (except Marajó Island). According to the chi-square test, no significant differences between E. coli prevalences or antimicrobial resistance profiles between migratory and resident and between wrecked and non-wrecked seabirds were observed. Thus, migratory birds do not seem to contribute significantly to E. coli frequencies, pathotypes or antimicrobial resistance rates on the Brazilian coast.

Infection With Escherichia Coli Pathotypes Is Associated With Biomarkers of Gut Enteropathy and Nutritional Status Among Malnourished Children in Bangladesh.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) pathotypes are the most common cause of diarrhea, especially in developing countries. Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED) is presumed to be the result of infection with one or more pathotypes and can affect intestinal health and childhood growth. We sought to investigate the association of E. coli pathotypes infection with biomarkers of EED and nutritional status among slum-dwelling malnourished children in Bangladesh. This study comprised a total of 1050 stunted and at risk of stunting children. TaqMan Array Card assays were used to determine the presence of E. coli pathotypes in feces. Prevalence of infection with EAEC was highest (68.8%) in this cohort of children, followed by EPEC (55.9%), ETEC (44%), Shigella/EIEC (19.4%) and STEC (3.2%). The levels of myeloperoxidase and calprotectin were significantly higher in EAEC (P=0.02 and P=0.04), EPEC (P=0.02 and P=0.03) and Shigella/EIEC (P=0.05 and P=0.02) positive participants while, only calprotectin was significantly higher in ETEC (P=0.01) positive participants. Reg1B was significantly higher in participants with EAEC (P=0.004) while, neopterin levels were significantly lower in ETEC (P=0.003) and Shigella/EIEC (P=0.003) positive cases. A significant positive relationship was observed between EAEC and fecal levels of Reg1B (β = 0.28; 95% CI = 0.12, 0.43; p-value<0.001). Besides, ETEC was found to be positively and significantly associated with the levels of calprotectin (β = 0.14; 95 percent CI = 0.01, 0.26; p-value=0.037) and negatively with neopterin (β = -0.16; 95% CI = -0.30, -0.02; p-value=0.021). On the other hand, infection with EPEC was found to be negatively associated with length-for-age (β = -0.12; 95% CI = -0.22, -0.03; p-value=0.011) and weight-for-age (β = -0.11; 95% CI = -0.22, -0.01; p-value=0.037). The study findings suggest that infection with certain E. coli pathotypes (EAEC and ETEC) influences gut health and EPEC is associated with linear growth and underweight in Bangladeshi children.

Escherichia coli 0157:H7 virulence factors and the ruminant reservoir.

This review updates recent findings about Escherichia coli O157:H7 virulence factors and its bovine reservoir. This Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing E. coli belongs to the Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) pathotype causing hemorrhagic colitis. Its low infectious dose makes it an efficient, severe, foodborne pathogen. Although EHEC remains in the intestine, Stx can translocate systemically and is cytotoxic to microvascular endothelial cells, especially in the kidney and brain. Disease can progress to life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) with hemolytic anemia, acute kidney failure, and thrombocytopenia. Young children, the immunocompromised, and the elderly are at the highest risk for HUS. Healthy ruminants are the major reservoir of EHEC and cattle are the primary source of human exposure. Advances in understanding E. coli O157:H7 pathogenesis include molecular mechanisms of virulence, bacterial adherence, type three secretion effectors, intestinal microbiome, inflammation, and reservoir maintenance. Many aspects of E. coli O157:H7 disease remain unclear and include the role of the human and bovine intestinal microbiomes in infection. Therapeutic strategies involve controlling inflammatory responses and/or intestinal barrier function. Finally, elimination/reduction of E. coli O157:H7 in cattle using CRISPR-engineered conjugative bacterial plasmids and/or on-farm management likely hold solutions to reduce infections and increase food safety/security.

Escherichia coli pathotype contamination in raw canine diets.

To investigate the prevalence of Escherichia coli contamination and E coli virulence gene signatures consistent with known E coli pathotypes in commercially available conventional diets and raw-meat-based diets (RMBDs). 40 diets in total (19 conventionally cooked kibble or canned diets and 21 RMBDs) obtained from retail stores or online distributors. Each diet was cultured for E coli contamination in 3 separate container locations using standard microbiological techniques. Further characterization of E coli isolates was performed by polymerase chain reaction-based pathotype and virulence gene analysis. Conventional diets were negative in all culture based testing. In RMBDs, bacterial contamination was similar to previous reports in the veterinary literature, with 66% (14/21) of the RMBDs having positive cultures for E coli. Among the 191 confirmed E coli isolates from these diets, 31.9% (61/191) were positive for virulence genes. Categorized by pathotype, isolates presumptively belonging to the neonatal meningitis E coli pathotype (15.7% [30/191]) were the most common, followed by enterohemorrhagic E coli (10.5% [20/191]), enteropathogenic E coli (5.8% [11/191]), uropathogenic E coli (2.1% [4/191]), and diffusely adherent E coli (1.6% [3/191]). The results of this study reaffirmed the bacteriologic risks previously associated with RMBDs. Furthermore, potential zoonotic concerns associated with identified pathotypes in these diets may have significant consequences for owners in the animals' home environment. Potential risk associated with bacterial contamination should be addressed in animals fed RMBDs.

Antibiotic resistance profiling and molecular detection of Escherichia coli Pathotypes isolated from irrigated fresh vegetables

Background: Vegetables are vital to our health and well-being providing essential vitamins, minerals and fibre. E. coli is an important agent of food and waterborne illnesses in humans. In the present study, antibiotic susceptibility and molecular detection of E. coli pathotypes isolated from fresh vegetables were carried out. Methods: A total of 135 vegetable samples of spinach, water leaves and pumpkin leaves were collected and diarrheagenic E. coli were identified using the standard microbiological method. The antibiotic susceptibility test for the isolates was carried out and interpreted in accordance with clinical and laboratory standard institute (CLSI) protocol. The molecular detection of E. coli was carried out using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method. Results: Out of the 135 samples the occurrence of E. coli was 37.7%. The highest percentage occurrence was observed from pumpkin leaves (46,6%), and Water leaves (40.0%), while spinach has the lowest (26.6%). E. coli isolated from water leaves were highly susceptible to imipenem (83.3%) followed by Gentamicin (77.8%), Ciprofloxacin (66.7%), Ceftazidime (61.1%), Ampicillin (55.6%), Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (50.0%), Cefotaxime (44.4%), Cefoxitin (33.3%), Septrin (38.8%) and the lowest was Streptomycin (25.9%). The E. coli pathotype that was detected were eltB (33.0%) from spinach only, ial from spinach and water leaves each (33%), Vt2 from Pumpkin leaves (33%) and estA from spinach, water leaves, and Pumpkin leaves each (100%). Conclusion: The E. coli isolated from the fresh vegetables were multi-drug resistant and different E. coli Pathotype genes were detected. This observation presents a direct challenge to public health, where E. coli could serve as a gene pool for horizontal gene spread of antibiotic resistance genes

Immunogenic protein profiling of pathogenic Escherichia coli strains isolated from infants with diarrhea in Quetta Balochistan

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a widespread bacterial species that comprise a broad variety of strains and can be highly pathogenic often. Diarrhea caused by E. coli pathotypes is a leading public health problem in underdeveloped countries such as Pakistan. Five different diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes (Enterohaemorrhagic, Enteropathogenic, Enteroaggregative, Enteroinvasive and Enterotoxigenic E. coli) were isolated from 200 samples of diarrheal children in Quetta, Pakistan. Total-cell protein profiles of all the strains isolated were resolved via SDS-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE). More than 15 protein bands were found ranging from 15 kDa to 153 kDa in size. A dendrogram plot explained the relatedness of the pathotypes amongst them. The protein bands of 70 and 15 kDa, analyzed through GelAnalyzer 2010a© were found common among all the isolated pathotypes. Purified bands of these two proteins (70 and 15 kDa) from the gel were injected in experimental mice groups for immunization purposes. During immunogenicity tests, the mice that were immunized with 70 and 15 kDa proteins stayed alive for seven days despite subsequently being challenged with the E. coli pathotypes, while higher mortality 80% were observed in the non-immunized control group. Upon the postmortem it was revealed that all the vital organs were covered by the E. coli strains injected for challenge studies. The immunized mice and control mice sera subjected to the Agar Gel Immunodiffusion assay (AGID) test for antibody/antigen reaction were found positive for antibodies presence. The exploration of immunogenic proteins among all the prevalent pathotypes can be a breakthrough in the development of a combined, effective, and safe vaccine. Further investigation of these immunogenic proteins would be of great importance for future immunization endeavors.

Primer reporte de Escherichia coli diarreogénica en población pediátrica ambulatoria con diarrea atendida en la ciudad de La Plata, Argentina

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli is a heterogeneous group of strains that presents various virulence factors and causes different diarrheal syndromes. The most studied pathotypes are enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC), enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). The objective was to estimate the frequency of infection of diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes in children with diarrhea, attended at the Sor María Ludovica Hospital in La Plata, Argentina, during the period May-October 2017. E. coli pathotypes were detected by molecular amplification of eight characteristic virulence genes. The feces of 211 children (76% under 5 years) were studied. Infection with diarrheagenic E. coli was detected in 12.3% of the samples. The pathotypes were EAEC (10.43%), ETEC (1.42%, all of them positive for thermolabile toxin), EPEC (0.95%) and STEC (0.47%, positive for Shiga toxin 2). The EAEC pathotype was prevalent in children of all age groups, while ETEC, EPEC and STEC were only observed in children under 5 years of age. This study constitutes the first report of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli detection in an outpatient pediatric population with diarrhea from La Plata, using molecular amplification techniques. Broader future studies, including the characterization of the isolates with the largest number of genes, asymptomatic controls, different times of the year and population from different geographic areas will be necessary to clarify the relevance of diarrheagenic E. coli infection in children from Argentina.

Frequency of five Escherichia Coli pathotypes in Iranian adults and children with acute diarrhea.

BackgroundKnowledge about the distribution of Escherichia Coli (E. coli) pathotypes in Iran is limited. This nation-wide survey aims to provide a comprehensive description of the distribution of five pathogenic E. coli in Iran.MethodsStool samples were collected from 1,306 acute diarrhea cases from 15 provinces (2013–2014). E. coli-positive cultures underwent PCR testing for the detection of STEC, ETEC, EPEC, EAEC, and EIEC pathotypes. Pathotype frequency by province, age-group, and season was estimated.Results979 diarrhea samples (75.0%) were culture-positive for E. coli (95% CI: 72.6, 77.3%), and 659 (50.5%) were pathogenic E. coli (95% CI: 47.8, 53.2%). STEC was the most frequent pathotype (35.4%). ETEC (14.0%) and EPEC (13.1%) were the second and the third most frequent pathotypes, respectively. EAEC (4.3%) and EIEC (0.3%) were not highly prevalent. Fars (88.7%) and Khorasan-e-Razavi (34.8%) provinces had the highest and lowest frequencies, respectively. E. coli pathotypes were more frequent in warmer than cooler seasons, showed the highest frequency among children under five years of age (73%), and had no significant association with participants’ gender.ConclusionsDiarrheagenic E. coli may be an important cause of acute diarrhea in adults and children in Iran. STEC and ETEC seem to be widespread in the country with a peak in warmer seasons, impacting the recommended use of seasonal STEC and ETEC vaccines, especially in high-risk groups. Monitoring the incidence of E. coli pathotypes, serotypes, and antibiotic resistance over time is highly recommended for evaluation of interventions.

Bacteriological and Molecular Characterization of Diarrheagenic Escherichia Coli Pathotypes From Children in Duhok City, Iraq

Background: A variety of diarrheagenic E coli (DEC) are responsible for causing different types of diarrhea in children especially in developing courtiers.&#x0D; Objectives: This study was primarily aimed to isolate and bacteriological characterizing of E coli from diarrheic infant stool and to investigate their antibiotic resistance patterns and then using molecular identification of DEC pathotypes for better discrimination.&#x0D; Methods: Total of 400 fresh stools specimens were collected from children with diarrhea in Heevi Hospital in Duhok city, Iraq. The samples were cultured on selective media such as (MacConkey and MacConkey sorbitol agar). Colonies were identified through biochemical reaction and VITEK 2 system and then antibiotic susceptibility profiles were determined.&#x0D; Results: A total of 349(87.2%) samples were yielded positive for growth of E coli. Out of these, 50 phenotypically-identified E coli were then subjected to PCR assay targeting certain virulence factors (alt, eae, sxt1 and sxt2) for discrimination of pathotyes. 13/50(26%) Enterotoxigenix E. coli (ETEC) was detected, 5/50(10%) Enterohemorrhagic E coli EHEC was detected, while no Enteropathogenic E coli (EPEC) was detected. All pathotypes were more frequent in samples from male children aged between 2-3 years that were artificial feeding pattern. Moreover, all pathotypes expressed high resistant to ampicillin, cephalosporin and tetracycline while little resistance to imipenem was observed. Conclusion: The study concludes presence of diarrheagenic E coli pathotypes in our community causing diarrhea in children and emphasize on using of PCR assay for best discrimination.

Prevalence of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli Pathotypes and Virotypes Isolated from Piglets Suffering from Post-Weaning Diarrhea in Belgium and the Netherlands

Prevalence of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli Pathotypes and Virotypes Isolated from Piglets Suffering from Post-Weaning Diarrhea in Belgium and the Netherlands

Multi-Drug-Resistant Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli Pathotypes in Pediatric Patients with Gastroenteritis from Central Iran.

BackgroundDiarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) is a significant cause of gastroenteritis and a major public health problem. This study investigates the prevalence and the antibiotic resistance patterns of DEC that were isolated from infectious diarrhea samples of pediatric patients from central Iran.Patients and MethodsPediatric diarrhea samples were collected from 230 pediatric patients visiting the hospital. E. coli pathotypes were diagnosed by using conventional culture methods and PCR. Antibiotic resistance profiles, the frequency of multi-drug resistance (MDR), and the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of extended spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL), AmpC and integron-associated genes were analyzed.ResultsOf the 230 samples of infectious diarrhea, 91 (39.5%) produced E. coli isolates. Of these, 32 cases (35.1%) were identified as DEC by culture and PCR. The frequency of the E. coli pathotypes obtained was as follows: EAEC 11/32 (34.3%), EPEC 9/32 (28.1%), ETEC 6/32 (18.7%), EIEC 3/32 (9.3%), and EHEC 3/32 (9.3%). The antibiotic resistance rates were greater for nalidixic acid (30/32; 93.7%), ampicillin (29/32; 90.6%), and tetracycline (25/32; 78.1%) than for any of the other tested antibiotics. High levels of MDR (25/32; 78.1%) and the presence of ESBL (18/32; 56.2%) and AmpC (9/32; 28.1%) were observed in the DEC isolates. The isolates showed a higher frequency of the ESBL genes [blaTEM (18/18; 100%), blaCTX-M15 (17/18; 94.4%)], and AmpC [blaCIT (4/9; 44.4%) and blaDHA (4/9; 44.4%)] than of the other ESBL and AmpC genes.ConclusionCompared to the previous study, DEC appeared to be the second-most abundant agent of diarrhea in pediatric patients after Campylobacter jejuni, with frequent MDR and ESBL presence.

Molecular epidemiology of virulent E. coli among rural small scale dairy herds and shops: Efficacy of selected marine algal extracts and disinfectants

ABSTRACT Virulent pathotypes of E. coli seriously affect the livestock regarding the misuse of antibiotics. All 180 samples collected from cow’s environment and dairy shops in Qena, Egypt were serologically and molecularly positive for coliforms. Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) and Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) pathotypes were isolated from water and milk-related samples. STEC serogroups O26, O55, O111, O113, O145 were also recovered. The non-O157 STEC serotypes were recovered from human diarrheagenic patients contacting cattle or consuming contaminated water/milk products. BlaCTX-M and blaTEM genes were detected in 25.5% and 100%, respectively. Disinfectants and algal extracts, identified by GC-MS, were evaluated in vitro for antibacterial activities. TH4+® disinfectant and methanol extract of Turbinaria decurrens reduced E. coli at 13 log10 at 1.5% and 3 mg/ml concentrations, respectively. Ag-NPs/T. decurrens showed 8–9 log10 reduction at concentration of 1.6 × 105 NPs/ml. Examined water sources, milk and milk products were potential reservoirs for virulent antibiotic-resistant E.coli which may impose animal and public health threats. Abbreviations: APEC: Avian pathogenic E. coli; blaCTX-M : β-lactamase inhibitors-Cefotaximase gene; blaTEM : β-lactamase inhibitors-Temoneira gene; CFU: Colony-forming unit; DAEC: Diffusely adherent E. coli; DEC: Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli; DEMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide; eaeA: Intimin or E. coli attaching gene; EAEC: Enteroaggregative E. coli; EHEC: Enterohemorrhagic E. coli; EIEC: Enteroinvasive E. coli; EOSQC: Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality Control; EPEC: Enteropathogenic E. coli; ETEC: Enterotoxigenic E. coli; ExPEC: Extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli; GC–MS: Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry technique; hly: Hemolysin gene; STEC: Shiga like producing E. coli; stx1: Shiga-toxin 1 gene; ESBLs: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases.