Genomic epidemiology reveals statewide dispersal of clinical Shiga toxin-producing <i>Escherichia coli</i> and their antimicrobial resistome.

ABSTRACT: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a zoonotic pathogen that can be transmitted to humans through contaminated food or contact with infected animals. Here, we aim to characterize the population diversity and genome characteristics of the clinical STEC population in New York State collected over a span of six years. A total of 1,655 clinical isolates were analyzed using whole-genome sequencing, phylogenetic reconstruction, in silico identification of acquired antimicrobial resistance genes and plasmid types, and delineation of genetic clusters. The STEC population consists of 178 serotypes based on unique combinations of the O and H antigens. Four serotypes were most frequently detected: O103:H2 (n = 295 genomes), O157:H7 (n = 207), O26:H11 (n

SUBMITTER: Buiatte ABG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12772303 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature