Association between Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 stx Gene Subtype and Disease Severity, England, 2009-2019.

Signs and symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serogroup O157:H7 infection range from mild gastrointestinal to bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). We assessed the association between Shiga toxin gene (stx) subtype and disease severity for ¼3,000 patients with STEC O157:H7 in England during 2009-2019. Odds of bloody diarrhea, HUS, or both, were significantly higher for patients infected with STEC O157:H7 possessing stx2a only or stx2a combined with other stx subtypes. Odds of severe signs/symptoms were significantly higher for isolates encoding stx2a only and belonging to sublineage Ic and lineage I/II than for those encoding stx2a only and belonging to sublineage IIb, indicating that stx2a is not the only driver causing HUS. Strains of STEC O157:H7 that had stx1a were also significantly more associated with severe disease than strains with stx2c only. This finding confounds public health risk assessment algorithms based on detection of stx2 as a predictor of severe disease.

Clinical syndromes and treatment location predict utility of carbapenem sparing therapies in ceftriaxone-non-susceptible Escherichia coli bloodstream infection.

BACKGROUND: Cefiderocol, ceftazidime-avibactam, ceftolozane-tazobactam, intravenous fosfomycin and plazomicin represent potential carbapenem sparing agents for extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase or AmpC beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli infection. However, available data is limited in predicting the volume of carbapenem therapy which could be substituted and real-world contraindications. METHODS: We determined the number of carbapenem days of therapy (DOT) which could be substituted and frequent contraindications accounting for antimicrobial susceptibility and site of infection in an unselected cohort with ceftriaxone-non-susceptible E. coli bacteremia at a single health network from 2015 to 2016. Individual patient data was used to calculate DOT and substitution for each agent. RESULTS: There were 108 episodes of E. coli bacteremia resulting in 67.2 carbapenem DOT/100 patient-days of antimicrobial therapy administered. Ceftazidime-avibactam could be used to substitute 36.2 DOT/100 patient-days (54%) for inpatient definitive therapy, ceftolozane-tazobactam for 34.7 DOT/100 patient-days (52%), cefiderocol for 27.1 DOT/100 patient-days (40%), fosfomycin for 23.3 DOT /100 patient-days (35%) and plazomicin for 27.1 DOT/100 patient-days (40%). Non-urinary tract source of infection was the most frequent contraindication to fosfomycin (25), plazomicin (26) and cefiderocol (26). Use in outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) programs accounted for 40% of DOT, all of which could be substituted if stability data allowed for ceftazidime-avibactam and ceftolozane-tazobactam. CONCLUSIONS: All tested agents could be used to replace a significant volume of carbapenem therapy. Establishing stability of these agents for use in OPAT is required for maximizing their use as carbapenem sparing agents while randomized clinical data is awaited for some of these agents in resistant E. coli bacteremia.

Hyperimmune Bovine Colostral Anti-CS17 Antibodies Protect Against Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Diarrhea in a Randomized, Doubled-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Human Infection Model.

BACKGROUND: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) commonly cause diarrhea in children living in developing countries and in travelers to those regions. ETEC are characterized by colonization factors (CFs) that mediate intestinal adherence. We assessed if bovine colostral IgG (bIgG) antibodies against a CF, CS17, or antibodies against CsbD, the minor tip subunit of CS17, would protect subjects against diarrhea following challenge with a CS17-expressing ETEC strain. METHODS: Adult subjects were randomized (1:1:1) to receive oral bIgG against CS17, CsbD, or placebo. Two days prior to challenge, subjects began dosing 3 times daily with the bIgG products (or placebo). On day 3, subjects ingested 5 × 109 cfu ETEC strain LSN03-016011/A in buffer. Subjects were assessed for diarrhea for 120 hours postchallenge. RESULTS: A total of 36 subjects began oral prophylaxis and 35 were challenged with ETEC. While 50.0% of the placebo recipients had watery diarrhea, none of the subjects receiving anti-CS17 had diarrhea (P = .01). In contrast, diarrhea rates between placebo and anti-CsbD recipients (41.7%) were comparable (P = 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate anti-CS17 antibodies provide significant protection against ETEC expressing CS17. More research is needed to better understand why anti-CsbD was not comparably efficacious. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT00524004.

Effects of Child and Maternal Histo-Blood Group Antigen Status on Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Enteric Infections in Early Childhood.

BACKGROUND: Histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) such as fucosyltransferase (FUT)2 and 3 may act as innate host factors that differentially influence susceptibility of individuals and their offspring to pediatric enteric infections. METHODS: In 3 community-based birth cohorts, FUT2 and FUT3 statuses were ascertained for mother-child dyads. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction panels tested 3663 diarrheal and 18 148 asymptomatic stool samples for 29 enteropathogens. Cumulative diarrhea and infection incidence were compared by child (n = 520) and mothers' (n = 519) HBGA status and hazard ratios (HRs) derived for all-cause diarrhea and specific enteropathogens. RESULTS: Children of secretor (FUT2 positive) mothers had a 38% increased adjusted risk of all-cause diarrhea (HR = 1.38; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15-1.66) and significantly reduced time to first diarrheal episode. Child FUT2 and FUT3 positivity reduced the risk for all-cause diarrhea by 29% (HR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.71-0.93) and 27% (HR = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.74-0.92), respectively. Strong associations between HBGAs and pathogen-specific infection and diarrhea were observed, particularly for noroviruses, rotaviruses, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, and Campylobacter jejuni/coli. CONCLUSIONS: Histo-blood group antigens affect incidence of all-cause diarrhea and enteric infections at magnitudes comparable to many common disease control interventions. Studies measuring impacts of interventions on childhood enteric disease should account for both child and mothers' HBGA status.

Prophylactic Efficacy of Hyperimmune Bovine Colostral Antiadhesin Antibodies Against Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Diarrhea: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 1 Trial.

Background: Tip-localized adhesive proteins of bacterial fimbriae from diverse pathogens confer protection in animal models, but efficacy in humans has not been reported. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) commonly elaborate colonization factors comprising a minor tip adhesin and major stalk-forming subunit. We assessed the efficacy of antiadhesin bovine colostral IgG (bIgG) antibodies against ETEC challenge in volunteers. Methods: Adults were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to take oral hyperimmune bIgG raised against CFA/I minor pilin subunit (CfaE) tip adhesin or colonization factor I (CFA/I) fimbraie (positive control) or placebo. Two days before challenge, volunteers began a thrice-daily, 7-day course of investigational product administered in sodium bicarbonate 15 minutes after each meal. On day 3, subjects drank 1 × 109 colony-forming units of colonization factor I (CFA/I)-ETEC strain H10407 with buffer. The primary efficacy endpoint was diarrhea within 120 hours of challenge. Results: After enrollment and randomization, 31 volunteers received product, underwent ETEC challenge, and were included in the per protocol efficacy analysis. Nine of 11 placebos developed diarrhea, 7 experiencing moderate to severe disease. Protective efficacy of 63% (P = .03) and 88% (P = .002) was observed in the antiadhesin bIgG and positive control groups, respectively. Conclusions: Oral administration of anti-CFA/I minor pilin subunit (CfaE) antibodies conferred significant protection against ETEC, providing the first clinical evidence that fimbrial tip adhesins function as protective antigens.

Extraintestinal Pathogenic and Antimicrobial-Resistant Escherichia coli, Including Sequence Type 131 (ST131), from Retail Chicken Breasts in the United States in 2013.

Chicken meat products are hypothesized to be vehicles for transmitting antimicrobial-resistant and extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) to consumers. To reassess this hypothesis in the current era of heightened concerns about antimicrobial use in food animals, we analyzed 175 chicken-source E. coli isolates from a 2013 Consumer Reports national survey. Isolates were screened by PCR for ExPEC-defining virulence genes. The 25 ExPEC isolates (12% of 175) and a 2:1 randomly selected set of 50 non-ExPEC isolates were assessed for their phylogenetic/clonal backgrounds and virulence genotypes for comparison with their resistance profiles and the claims on the retail packaging label ("organic," "no antibiotics," and "natural"). Compared with the findings for non-ExPEC isolates, the group of ExPEC isolates had a higher prevalence of phylogroup B2 isolates (44% versus 4%; P < 0.001) and a lower prevalence of phylogroup A isolates (4% versus 30%; P = 0.001), a higher prevalence of multiple individual virulence genes, higher virulence scores (median, 11 [range, 4 to 16] versus 8 [range, 1 to 14]; P = 0.001), and higher resistance scores (median, 4 [range, 0 to 8] versus 3 [range, 0 to 10]; P < 0.001). All five isolates of sequence type 131 (ST131) were ExPEC (P = 0.003), were as extensively resistant as the other isolates tested, and had higher virulence scores than the other isolates tested (median, 12 [range, 11 to 13] versus 8 [range, 1 to 16]; P = 0.005). Organic labeling predicted lower resistance scores (median, 2 [range, 0 to 3] versus 4 [range, 0 to 10]; P = 0.008) but no difference in ExPEC status or virulence scores. These findings document a persisting reservoir of extensively antimicrobial-resistant ExPEC isolates, including isolates from ST131, in retail chicken products in the United States, suggesting a potential public health threat.IMPORTANCE We found that among Escherichia coli isolates from retail chicken meat products purchased across the United States in 2013 (many of these isolates being extensively antibiotic resistant), a minority had genetic profiles suggesting an ability to cause extraintestinal infections in humans, such as urinary tract infection, implying a risk of foodborne disease. Although isolates from products labeled "organic" were less extensively antibiotic resistant than other isolates, they did not appear to be less virulent. These findings suggest that retail chicken products in the United States, even if they are labeled "organic," pose a potential health threat to consumers because they are contaminated with extensively antibiotic-resistant and, presumably, virulent E. coli isolates.

[Patients of Escherichia coli bloodstream infection: analysis of antibiotic resistance and predictors of mortality].

Objective: To analyze the drug resistance of Escherichia coli (E.coli) from bloodstream infection (BSI) and the predictors of mortality in E. coli bloodstream infection (BSI). Methods: The clinical data of 139 E. coli BSI cases diagnosed from January 2012 to December 2015 in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Lanxi Branch (Lanxi People's Hospital), Zhejiang Province, were retrospectively analyzed. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using Vitek 2 system. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) were detected by disk diffusion confirmatory testing. The factors associated with ESBLs-producing strains were identified by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis was used to identify independent predictors of infection mortality by applying Logistic regression. Results: 42.4% of E. coli isolates were ESBLs-producing. The resistant rate of imipenem was 0.7%. The percent of ESBLs in hospital-acquired infection was higher than that in community-acquired infection but without statistical significance (48.7% versus 40.0%, P=0.350). Univariate analysis suggested that the percent of ESBLs-producing strains in BSI happened on ≥15 d after admission and in BSI of biliary tract infection source was 76.9% and 68.0%, which were much higher than those in BSI happened on <15 d after admission and in BSI of non-biliary tract infection source (34.6% and 36.8%, P=0.013 and 0.004). The overall mortality of E. coli BSI was 13.7%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA ) score (OR=1.393, P<0.001), ceftazidime non-susceptibility (OR=4.444, P=0.018) and liver cirrhosis (OR=13.513, P=0.001) were independent risk factors of mortality. Conclusions: The frequency of ESBLs-producing E. coli was high in primary hospital of Zhejiang Province. SOFA score, ceftazidime non-susceptibility and cirrhosis were predictors of poor outcome in E. coli BSI.

The Pandemic H30 Subclone of Escherichia coli Sequence Type 131 Is Associated With Persistent Infections and Adverse Outcomes Independent From Its Multidrug Resistance and Associations With Compromised Hosts.

BACKGROUND: The H30 subclone within Escherichia coli sequence type 131 (ST131-H30) has emerged rapidly to become the leading antibiotic-resistant E. coli strain. Hypervirulence, multidrug resistance, and opportunism have been proposed as explanations for its epidemic success. METHODS: We assessed 1133 consecutive unique E. coli clinical isolates from 5 medical centers (2010-2011) for H30 genotype, which we compared with epidemiological and clinical data extracted from medical records by blinded reviewers. Using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis, we explored associations of H30 with underlying host characteristics, clinical presentations, management, and outcomes, adjusting for host characteristics. RESULTS: The H30 (n = 107) isolates were associated with hosts who were older, male, locally and systemically compromised, and healthcare and antibiotic exposed. With multivariable adjustment for host factors, H30 lost its numerous significant univariable associations with initial clinical presentation, but remained strongly associated with clinical persistence (odds ratio [OR], 3.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.89-6.37), microbiological persistence (OR, 4.46; 95% CI, 2.38-8.38), subsequent hospital admission (OR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.35-5.33), and subsequent new infection (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.01-3.00). These host-adjusted associations remained strong even with added adjustment for resistance to the initially prescribed antibiotics, and the adverse outcome associations (subsequent hospital admission, new infection) were independent of clinical and microbiological persistence. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to targeting compromised hosts and resisting multiple antibiotics, H30 isolates may have an intrinsic ability to cause highly persistent infections and later adverse outcomes. The basis for these host- and resistance-independent associations is unclear, but they should be considered when managing patients with H30 infections.

Spinal Cord Malakoplakia Mimicking a Spinal Cord Tumor : The First Case Report.

Malakoplakia is a rare chronic inflammatory disease that has been rarely reported in the genitourinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, adrenal glands, skin, lungs, bone, and endometrium. Central nervous system malakoplakia is extremely rare, and even then, it has only been reported in the cerebrum and cerebellum. A definite diagnosis of malakoplakia depends on microscopic detection of Michaelis-Gutmann bodies. We would like to present the case of a 61-year-old male who, after undergoing a liver transplant and receiving prolonged antibiotic treatment for Escherichia coli bacteremia, presented with quadriparesis and gait disturbance. The clinical and radiologic appearance of malakoplakia mimics that of malignant tumor. This is a condition with no established appropriate treatment and presents challenges due to its spinal cord location. However, this case presents a case of spinal cord malakoplakia and may provide newly differential diagnosis of an intramedullary mass in the spinal cord.

Escherichia coli sequence type 131 (ST131) subclone H30 as an emergent multidrug-resistant pathogen among US veterans.

BACKGROUND: Escherichia coli sequence type 131 (ST131), typically fluoroquinolone-resistant (FQ-R) and/or extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing, has emerged globally. We assessed its prevalence and characteristics among US veterans. METHODS: In 2011, 595 de-identified E. coli clinical isolates were collected systematically within 3 resistance groups (FQ-susceptible [FQ-S], FQ-R, and ESBL-producing) from 24 nationally distributed Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs). ST131 and its H30 subclone were detected by polymerase chain reaction and compared with other E. coli for molecular traits, source, and resistance profiles. RESULTS: ST131 accounted for 78% (184/236) of FQ-R and 64.2% (79/123) of ESBL-producing isolates, but only 7.2% (17/236) of FQ-S isolates (P < .001). The H30 subclone accounted for ≥95% of FQ-R and ESBL-producing, but only 12.5% of FQ-S, ST131 isolates (P < .001). By back-calculation, 28% of VAMC E. coli isolates nationally represented ST131. Overall, ST131 varied minimally in prevalence by specimen type, inpatient/outpatient source, or locale; was the most prevalent ST, followed distantly by ST95 and ST12 (13% each); and accounted for ≥40% (ß-lactams), >50% (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole , multidrug), or >70% (ciprofloxacin, gentamicin) of total antimicrobial resistance. FQ-R and ESBL-producing ST131 isolates had higher virulence scores than corresponding non-ST131 isolates. ST131 pulsotypes overlapped extensively among VAMCs. CONCLUSIONS: Among US veterans, ST131, primarily its H30 subclone, accounts for most antimicrobial-resistant E. coli and is the dominant E. coli strain overall. Possible contributors include multidrug resistance, extensive virulence gene content, and ongoing transmission. Focused attention to ST131, especially its H30 subclone, could reduce infection-related morbidity, mortality, and costs among veterans.

OxyR contributes to the virulence of a Clonal Group A Escherichia coli strain (O17:K+:H18) in animal models of urinary tract infection, subcutaneous infection, and systemic sepsis.

The oxidative stress response regulator OxyR was assessed as both a urinary and extra-urinary virulence factor in Escherichia coli strain UCB34 (O17:K+:H18), a representative of the emergent Clonal Group A (CGA). Compared to UCB34, the isogenic oxyR mutant exhibited increased H2O2 sensitivity, indistinguishable in vitro growth, and attenuated virulence in rodent models of urinary tract, subcutaneous infection, and systemic sepsis. Complemented mutants showed virulence levels comparable to parent strains in all models. These findings uniquely fulfill molecular Koch's postulates for a putative virulence factor of CGA, provide experimental evidence of an extra-urinary virulence promoting trait in CGA, and document a role for OxyR in local and systemic extra-urinary E. coli infections.

Isolation, identification, molecular typing, and drug resistance of Escherichia coli from infected cattle and sheep in Xinjiang, China.

BACKGROUND: Escherichia coli infections are common in Xinjiang, a major region of cattle and sheep breeding in China. Therefore, strategies are required to control E. coli. The aim of this study was to investigate the phylogenetic groups, virulence genes, and antibiotic resistance characteristics of E. coli isolates. METHODS: In this study, 116 tissue samples were collected from the organs of cattle and sheep that were suspected of having E. coli infections between 2015 and 2019. Bacteria in the samples were identified using a biochemical identification system and amplification of 16S rRNA, and the phylogenetic groupings of E. coli isolates were determined by multiplex polymerase chain reactions. In addition, PCR detection and analysis of virulence factors, antibiotic resistance genes, and drug-resistant phenotypes of E. coli isolates were performed. RESULTS: A total of 116 pathogenic E. coli strains belonging to seven phylogenetic groups were isolated, with the majority of isolates in groups A and B1. Among the virulence genes, curli-encoding crl had the highest detection rate of 97.4%, followed by hemolysin-encoding hlyE with the detection rate of 94.82%. Antimicrobial susceptibility test results indicated that the isolates had the highest rates of resistance against streptomycin (81.9%). CONCLUSION: These characteristics complicate the prevention and treatment of E. coli-related diseases in Xinjiang.

Molecular characteristics of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli isolated from chickens with colibacillosis.

BACKGROUND: Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes colibacillosis, resulting in significant economic losses in the poultry industry. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the molecular characteristics of two extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing APEC isolates were compared with previously reported ESBL-producing E. coli isolates. METHODS: The molecular characteristics of E. coli isolates and the genetic environments of the ESBL genes were investigated using whole genome sequencing. RESULTS: The two ESBL-producing APEC were classified into the phylogenetic groups C and B1 and ST410 and ST162, respectively. Moreover, the ESBL genes of the two isolates were harbored in different Inc plasmids. The EC1809182 strain, harboring the blaCTX-M-55 gene on the plasmid, exhibited extensive homology to IncFIB (98.4%) and IncFIC(FII) (95.8%). The EC1809191 strain, harboring the blaCTX-M-1 gene, was homologous to IncI1-I (Gamma) (99.3%). All chromosomes carried the multidrug transporter, mdf(A) gene. Mobile genetic elements, adjacent to CTX-M genes, facilitated the dissemination of genes in the two isolates, analogous to other ESBL-producing E. coli isolates. CONCLUSIONS: This study clarifies the transmission dynamics of CTX-M genes and supports strengthened surveillance to prevent the transmission of the antimicrobial-resistant genes to humans via the food chain.

Impact of reflex fosfomycin susceptibility testing on the utilization of carbapenems for definitive extended-spectrum ß-lactamase Escherichia coli urinary tract infection treatment.

PURPOSE: A protocol was started within a large health system to automatically test all confirmed extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli urine isolates for susceptibility to fosfomycin, an antibiotic not routinely included in such testing in most institutions. This study assessed the effectiveness of the protocol at reducing carbapenem use for the definitive treatment of ESBL E. coli urinary tract infection (UTI) through several endpoints. METHODS: Eighty and 99 patients were compared pre- and postintervention, respectively. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who received definitive carbapenem therapy. Key secondary outcomes included median total carbapenem days of therapy (DOT), discharge on intravenous UTI antibiotics, and median total antibiotic DOT. RESULTS: Preprotocol vs postprotocol definitive carbapenem use was seen in 59 of 80 patients (73.8%) and 71 of 99 patients (71.7%) (95% confidence interval [CI] for difference, -11.1% to 15.1%; P = 0.76). The rates of step-down to oral agents pre- and postintervention were 15 of 59 (25.4%) and 35 of 71 (49.3%) (P = 0.004). Median carbapenem DOT in those receiving carbapenems decreased from 8 to 4 days (95% CI, -5 to -1 days; P = 0.001). Median total DOT decreased from 10 to 8 days (95% CI, -3 to -1 days; P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Implementation of a laboratory policy to automatically test ESBL positive E. coli for fosfomycin susceptibility did not reduce the percentage of patients receiving at least 1 dose of carbapenem treatment. It did result in a larger percentage reduction in step-down use of intravenous antibiotics for UTI prior to discharge, reduction in carbapenem DOT, and reduction in total antibiotic DOT.

Endogenous endophthalmitis due to Escherichia coli: a case report

ABSTRACT Endophthalmitis is a severe form of purulent inflammation caused by the infection of the intraocular tissues or fluids. This infection infrequently occurs through endogenous routes, which are often correlated with major risk factors. Escherichia coli, a gram-negative rod, can cause endophthalmitis through hematogenous spread. We here report a 59-year-old man who presented to our service with acute visual impairment in his left eye, preceded by floaters. He was taking sirolimus and azathioprine for a transplanted kidney, had undergone catheterization for bladder atresia, and had a history of recurrent E. coli urinary tract infections. On evaluation, the left eye exhibited visual acuity of hand motion, anterior chamber reaction (3+/4+), and intense vitritis (4+/4+) with white flake clusters, which prevented appropriate retinal evaluation. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed, and the culture yielded E. coli. The present case highlights the importance of identifying the signs and symptoms of infection early so that diagnosis and treatment of endophthalmitis can be promptly initiated.

Escherichia coli isolates from commercial chicken meat and eggs cause sepsis, meningitis and urinary tract infection in rodent models of human infections.

The zoonotic potential of Escherichia coli from chicken-source food products is important to define for public health purposes. Previously, genotypic and phenotypic screening of E. coli isolates from commercial chicken meat and shell eggs identified some E. coli strains that by molecular criteria resembled human-source extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC). Here, to clarify the zoonotic risk of such chicken-source E. coli, we compared selected E. coli isolates from chicken meat and eggs, stratified by molecularly defined ExPEC status, to human-source ExPEC and to laboratory E. coli for virulence in rodent models of sepsis, meningitis and UTI, and evaluated whether specific bacterial characteristics predict experimental virulence. Multiple chicken-source E. coli resembled human-source ExPEC in their ability to cause one or multiple different ExPEC-associated infections. Swimming ability corresponded with urovirulence, K1 capsule corresponded with ability to cause neonatal meningitis, and biofilm formation in urine corresponded with ability to cause sepsis. In contrast, molecularly defined ExPEC status and individual genotypic traits were uncorrelated with ability to cause sepsis, and neither complement sensitivity nor growth in human urine corresponded with virulence in any infection model. These findings establish that chicken-derived food products contain E. coli strains that, in rodent models of multiple human-associated ExPEC infections, are able to cause disease comparably to human-source E. coli clinical isolates, which suggests that they may pose a significant food safety threat. Further study is needed to define the level of risk they pose to human health, which if appreciable would justify efforts to monitor for and reduce or eliminate them.

[Polysaccharide of Escherichia coli in the Prevention of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection: An Evidence-Based Review]. / Polissacarídeo de Escherichia coli na Prevenção da Infeção do Trato Urinário Recorrente: Uma Revisão Baseada na Evidência.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent urinary tract infection is frequent and it is related to morbidity, costs and growing antibiotic resistance. OM 8930 vaccine is composed by Escherichia coli polysaccharide and it is a possible prophylactic measure, but there is doubt as to its effectiveness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review in evidence-based medicine databases with rigorous bibliography selection. RESULTS: We found an effective decrease of recurrences in test groups. DISCUSSION: We recommend the administration of the vaccine as prophylaxis of recurrent cystitis. CONCLUSION: The vaccine has impact on the recurrent cystitis relapse rate. We suggest that more studies be carried out to evaluate the vaccine cost-benefit and its effectiveness in complicated urinary infections.

Introdução: A infeção do trato urinário recorrente é frequente e associa-se a morbilidade, custos e aquisição de resistências a antibióticos. A vacina OM 8930 é constituída por um polissacarídeo de Escherichia coli e é uma possível medida profilática, mas existe dúvida quanto à sua efetividade. Material e Métodos: Realizámos uma revisão sistemática das principais bases de dados de medicina baseada na evidência, com seleção criteriosa dos artigos encontrados. Resultados: Verificámos uma efetiva diminuição do número de recorrências nos grupos experimentais. Discussão: Admitimos a recomendação do uso da vacina como profilaxia da cistite recorrente. Conclusão: A vacina tem impacto na recidiva da cistite recorrente. Sugerimos a realização de mais estudos para avaliar o custo/benefício da vacina, bem como o seu efeito nas infeções urinárias complicadas.

Avaliação parasitológica e microbiológica de areia de praias de São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil / Parasitological and microbiological evaluation of sand from beaches in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil

O Brasil é um país que possui um litoral onde se deparam grandes cidades e com grande fluxo de atividades humanas, o que pode levar a contaminação por microrganismos e parasitos. Diante desse contexto, o objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a ocorrência parasitária e microbiológica em areia de praias de São Luís, Maranhão. Para tal, foram coletadas quatro amostras de três praias, totalizando assim 12 amostras, cada área foi dividida em quatro faixas distintas, sendo duas secas e duas úmidas, e para cada amostra foram introduzidos coletores estéreis na areia com profundidade de 20 centímetros. As amostras foram identificadas e colocadas em caixa de isopor e foram conduzidas ao laboratório para análises, a parasitológica foi através do método de sedimentação espontânea e centrifugação e para a microbiológica utilizou-se o kit COLItest® para determinação de coliformes totais e termotolerantes (Escherichia coli). As areias, 100% (12/12) encontravam-se positivas para helmintos e/ou protozoários, sendo que o helminto e protozoário de maior ocorrência foram: 100% (12/12) Trichuris trichiura e 83,3% (10/12) Giardia lamblia, respectivamente. As análises microbiológicas, apresentaram 66,6% (8/12) com contaminação por coliformes totais, e 58,3% (7/12) para Escherichia coli, o ponto de coleta 3 da areia seca da praia de São Marcos (Sm3S) apresentou a maior contaminação por Escherichia coli (4,33x102 UFC/mL). As praias da orla marítima chamada Litorânea em São Luís estão contaminadas por parasitas como também por bactérias oriundas de fontes que entraram em contato com fezes seja de animais ou de humanos. Assim, aumenta-se a probabilidade de indivíduos que frequentem esses ambientes de adquirirem infecções.

Brazil has a coastline with large cities and a great flow of human activities, which can lead to contamination by microorganisms and parasites. Given this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the parasitic and microbiological events in the sand of beaches in São Luís, Maranhão. Therefore, four samples were collected from three beaches, thus totaling 12 samples. Each area was divided into four distinct segments, two dry and two wet, and for each sample, sterile collectors were inserted into the sand at a depth of 20 centimeters. The samples were identified, placed in a Styrofoam box, and taken to the laboratory for analysis. The parasitological analysis was performed through spontaneous sedimentation and centrifugation, while the microbiological analysis used the COLItest® kit to determine total and thermotolerant coliforms (Escherichia coli). All the sand samples were positive (100%) for helminths and/or protozoa, and the most frequent helminth and protozoan were Trichuris trichiura (100%; n=12 ) and Giardia lamblia (83.3%; n=10), respectively. Microbiological analyses showed that 66.6% (8/12) were contaminated by total coliforms and 58.3% (7/12) by Escherichia coli. Collection point 3 of dry sand from São Marcos beach (Sm3S) showed the highest contamination by Escherichia coli (4.33x102 CFU/mL). The beaches on the seafront called Litorânea in São Luís are contaminated by parasites and fecal bacteria from animals or human sources on the beach. Thus, the probability of acquiring infections increases among individuals visiting these environments.

The Pandemic H30 Subclone of Sequence Type 131 (ST131) as the Leading Cause of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Infections in the United States (2011-2012).

BACKGROUND: Extraintestinal Escherichia coli infections are increasingly challenging due to emerging antimicrobial resistance, including resistance to extended-spectrum beta-lactams and fluoroquinolones. Sequence type 131 (ST131) is a leading contributor. METHODS: Three hundred sixty E. coli clinical isolates from across the United States (2011-2012), selected randomly from the SENTRY collection within 3 resistance categories (extended-spectrum cephalosporin [ECS]-reduced susceptibility [RS]; fluoroquinolone-resistant, ESC-susceptible; and fluoroquinolone-susceptible, ESC-susceptible) were typed for phylogroup, sequence type complex (STc), subsets thereof, virulence genotype, O type, and beta-lactamase genes. Molecular results were compared with susceptibility profile, specimen type, age, and sex. RESULTS: Phylogroup B2 accounted for most isolates, especially fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates (83%). Group B2-derived ST131 and its H30 subclone (divided between H30Rx and H30R1) predominated, especially among ESC-RS and fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates. In contrast, among fluoroquinolone-susceptible isolates, group B2-derived STc73 and STc95 predominated. Within each resistance category, ST131 isolates exhibited more extensive resistance and/or virulence profiles than non-ST131 isolates. ST131-H30 was distributed broadly by geographical region, age, and specimen type and exhibited distinctive beta-lactamase genes. Back-calculations indicated that within the source population ST131 accounted for 26.4% of isolates overall (vs 17% in 2007), including 19.8% ST131-H30, 13.2% ST131-H30R1, and 6.6% each ST131-H30Rx and non-H30 ST131. CONCLUSIONS: ST131-H30, with its ESC resistance-associated H30Rx subset, caused most antimicrobial-resistant E. coli infections across the United States in 2011-2012 and, since 2007, increased in relative prevalence by >50%. Focused attention to this strain could help combat the current E. coli resistance epidemic.

Clonal distribution and associated characteristics of Escherichia coli clinical and surveillance isolates from a military medical center.

Antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli are a concern for military health services. We studied 100 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing and non-producing E. coli clinical and surveillance isolates from military personnel and civilians at Brooke Army Medical Center (2007-2011). Major E. coli lineages, most prominently ST10 (24%), ST131 (16%), and ST648 (8%), were distributed much as reported for other North American populations. ST131, represented mainly by its resistance-associated ST131-H30 clonal subset, was uniquely associated with a clinical origin, regardless of ESBL status. Thus, clonal background predicted resistance phenotype and clinical versus surveillance origin, and these findings could assist military clinicians and epidemiologists.