STEC in the natural environment of Uruguay: genomic surveillance and environmental circulation in the framework of One Health.

ABSTRACT: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are zoonotic pathogens with significant public health implications. The interplay between humans, domestic animals, wildlife, and environmental reservoirs such as water bodies influences their circulation. This study aimed to evaluate the role of the environment in the dissemination of STEC. Fourteen STEC isolates were recovered from stream water and feces of wild animals collected between 2022 and 2024 in a tourist and wild village-like region in Uruguay. All isolates carried the stx2 gene, and one also harbored stx1 and eae (E. coli O157:H7). The remaining isolates were LEE-negative. Most isolates were susceptible to tested antibiotics. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) revealed a wide diversity of serotypes, se

SUBMITTER: Figueroa Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12772381 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature