Genomic insights into a diarrheal outbreak in Bangladesh reveal novel ETEC lineages and expansion of CS23 colonization factor.

ABSTRACT: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), a leading cause of diarrhea, is defined by heat-stable (ST) and/or heat-labile (LT) toxins and associated colonization factors (CFs). However, there is still a knowledge gap in understanding ETEC's evolution, particularly in endemic regions like Bangladesh. This study investigates the genomic attributes contributing to the rise of ETEC-associated diarrhea in Bangladesh during 2022-2023. Whole genome sequencing of 325 ETEC isolates (2022-2023), compared with historical strains (1980-2021), revealed significant evolutionary changes. Our findings showed a significant shift in ETEC toxin from LT to ST over the period 2013-2023. The most frequent virulence profile during this period was CFA/I + CS21 compared with previous years (1980-2021). The em

SUBMITTER: Rahman SIA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12502627 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature