Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC): characterization and comparison

Abstract

Introduction: Avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) and uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) are responsible for avian colibacillosis and human urinary tract infections, respectively. There are genetic similarities between the APEC and UPEC pathotypes, suggesting the APEC strains could be a potential reservoir of virulence and antimicrobial-resistance genes for the UPEC strains. This study aimed to characterize and compare APEC and UPEC strains regarding the phylogroup classification, pathogenicity and antimicrobial susceptibility.
 Methodology: A total of 238 APEC and 184 UPEC strains were selected and characterized. The strains were assayed for antimicrobial susceptibility and classified into phylogenetic groups using a multiplex-PCR protocol. In addition, the APEC strains had previously been classified according to their in vivo pathogenicity.
 Results: The results showed that both pathotypes had variation in their susceptibility to most of the antimicrobial agents evaluated, with few strains classified as multidrug resistant. The highest resistance rate for both pathotypes was to amoxicillin. Classifying the APEC and UPEC strains into phylogenetic groups determined that the most frequently frequencies were for groups D and B2, respectively. These results reflect the pathogenic potential of these strains, as all the UPEC strains were isolated from unhealthy patients, and most of the APEC strains were previously classified as pathogenic.
 Conclusions: The results indicate that distribution into phylogenetic groups provided, in part, similar classification to those of in vivo pathogenicity index, as it was possible to adequately differentiate most of the pathogenic and commensal or low-pathogenicity bacteria. However, no relationship could be found between the specific antimicrobial agents and pathogenicity or phylogenetic group for either pathotype.

The spontaneously produced lysogenic prophage phi456 promotes bacterial resistance to adverse environments and enhances the colonization ability of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli strain DE456

“…APEC can act as a primary or secondary pathogen in these cases [ 19 ]. APEC shares phylogenetic overlap with neonatal meningitis Escherichia coli (NMEC) and shares many virulence factors, such as type I fimbriae, invasins, and protectins [ 20 ]. Additionally, it has also been demonstrated that APEC can cause meningitis or bacteremia in mice, similar to NMEC [ 21 ].…”

Molecular detection of antibiotic resistance genes in avian pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from poultry droppings in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

“…Food animals are commonly regarded as important vectors for acquisition and transmission of ARGs from the environment to humans [19]. Studies have shown that antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have been detected not only in domestic animals, but also wildlife especially those that range close to human dwellings [20][21][22][23]. Ferreira et al [7] reported that AMR reduces therapeutic options and can increase the survival of the pathogen in the environment.…”

A Siderophore-Encoding Plasmid Encodes High-Level Virulence in Escherichia coli

“…Several studies showed that the genomic features of APEC and human ExPEC are highly similar, with many genetic regions being homologous to each other. They also contain common virulence-related genes, cause similar disease patterns, and have similar evolutionary backgrounds ( 7 , 8 ). Therefore, we speculate that some APEC strains may pose a severe threat to public health ( 9 ).…”