Comprehensive Genomic Analysis of Uropathogenic <i>E. coli</i>: Virulence Factors, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Mobile Genetic Elements

Our whole-genome sequencing analysis of sixteen uropathogenic <i>E. coli</i> isolates revealed a concerning picture of multidrug resistance and potentially virulent bacteria. All isolates belonged to four distinct clonal groups, with the highly prevalent ST131 lineage being associated wi...

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Main Authors: Kidon Sung, Mohamed Nawaz, Miseon Park, Jungwhan Chon, Saeed A. Khan, Khulud Alotaibi, Ashraf A. Khan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-09-01
Series:Pathogens
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/13/9/794
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author Kidon Sung
Mohamed Nawaz
Miseon Park
Jungwhan Chon
Saeed A. Khan
Khulud Alotaibi
Ashraf A. Khan
author_facet Kidon Sung
Mohamed Nawaz
Miseon Park
Jungwhan Chon
Saeed A. Khan
Khulud Alotaibi
Ashraf A. Khan
author_sort Kidon Sung
collection DOAJ
description Our whole-genome sequencing analysis of sixteen uropathogenic <i>E. coli</i> isolates revealed a concerning picture of multidrug resistance and potentially virulent bacteria. All isolates belonged to four distinct clonal groups, with the highly prevalent ST131 lineage being associated with extensive antibiotic resistance and virulence factors. Notably, all isolates exhibited multidrug resistance, with some resistant to as many as 12 antibiotics. Fluoroquinolone resistance stemmed primarily from efflux pumps and mutations in gyrase and topoisomerase genes. Additionally, we identified genes encoding resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and various heavy metals. The presence of diverse plasmids and phages suggests the potential for horizontal gene transfer and the dissemination of virulence factors. All isolates harbored genomic islands containing virulence factors associated with adhesion, biofilm formation, and invasion. Genes essential for iron acquisition, flagella biosynthesis, secretion systems, and toxin production were also prevalent. Adding further complexity to understanding the isolates’ genetic makeup, we identified CRISPR-Cas systems. This study underscores the need for continued genomic surveillance in understanding the pathogenic mechanisms and resistance profiles of uropathogenic <i>E. coli</i> to aid in developing targeted therapeutic strategies.
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spelling doaj-art-96fb04f0982d45fa95c8c44b003f29ab2025-08-20T01:55:45ZengMDPI AGPathogens2076-08172024-09-0113979410.3390/pathogens13090794Comprehensive Genomic Analysis of Uropathogenic <i>E. coli</i>: Virulence Factors, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Mobile Genetic ElementsKidon Sung0Mohamed Nawaz1Miseon Park2Jungwhan Chon3Saeed A. Khan4Khulud Alotaibi5Ashraf A. Khan6Division of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USADivision of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USADivision of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USADepartment of Companion Animal Health, Inje University, Gimhae 50834, Republic of KoreaDivision of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USADivision of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USADivision of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USAOur whole-genome sequencing analysis of sixteen uropathogenic <i>E. coli</i> isolates revealed a concerning picture of multidrug resistance and potentially virulent bacteria. All isolates belonged to four distinct clonal groups, with the highly prevalent ST131 lineage being associated with extensive antibiotic resistance and virulence factors. Notably, all isolates exhibited multidrug resistance, with some resistant to as many as 12 antibiotics. Fluoroquinolone resistance stemmed primarily from efflux pumps and mutations in gyrase and topoisomerase genes. Additionally, we identified genes encoding resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and various heavy metals. The presence of diverse plasmids and phages suggests the potential for horizontal gene transfer and the dissemination of virulence factors. All isolates harbored genomic islands containing virulence factors associated with adhesion, biofilm formation, and invasion. Genes essential for iron acquisition, flagella biosynthesis, secretion systems, and toxin production were also prevalent. Adding further complexity to understanding the isolates’ genetic makeup, we identified CRISPR-Cas systems. This study underscores the need for continued genomic surveillance in understanding the pathogenic mechanisms and resistance profiles of uropathogenic <i>E. coli</i> to aid in developing targeted therapeutic strategies.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/13/9/794whole-genome sequencinguropathogen<i>E. coli</i>
spellingShingle Kidon Sung
Mohamed Nawaz
Miseon Park
Jungwhan Chon
Saeed A. Khan
Khulud Alotaibi
Ashraf A. Khan
Comprehensive Genomic Analysis of Uropathogenic <i>E. coli</i>: Virulence Factors, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Mobile Genetic Elements
Pathogens
whole-genome sequencing
uropathogen
<i>E. coli</i>
title Comprehensive Genomic Analysis of Uropathogenic <i>E. coli</i>: Virulence Factors, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Mobile Genetic Elements
title_full Comprehensive Genomic Analysis of Uropathogenic <i>E. coli</i>: Virulence Factors, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Mobile Genetic Elements
title_fullStr Comprehensive Genomic Analysis of Uropathogenic <i>E. coli</i>: Virulence Factors, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Mobile Genetic Elements
title_full_unstemmed Comprehensive Genomic Analysis of Uropathogenic <i>E. coli</i>: Virulence Factors, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Mobile Genetic Elements
title_short Comprehensive Genomic Analysis of Uropathogenic <i>E. coli</i>: Virulence Factors, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Mobile Genetic Elements
title_sort comprehensive genomic analysis of uropathogenic i e coli i virulence factors antimicrobial resistance and mobile genetic elements
topic whole-genome sequencing
uropathogen
<i>E. coli</i>
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/13/9/794
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