adhesiomeR: a tool for Escherichia coli adhesin classification and analysis.

Adhesins are crucial factors in the virulence of bacterial pathogens such as Escherichia coli. However, to date no resources have been dedicated to the detailed analysis of E. coli adhesins. Here, we provide adhesiomeR software that enables characterization of the complete adhesin repertoire, termed the adhesiome. AdhesiomeR incorporates the most comprehensive database of E. coli adhesins and facilitates an extensive analysis of adhesiome. We demonstrate that adhesiomeR achieves 98% accuracy when compared with experimental analyses. Based on analysis of 15,000 E. coli genomes, we define novel adhesiome profiles and clusters, providing a nomenclature for a unified comparison of E. coli adhesiomes.

FdeC expression regulates motility and adhesion of the avian pathogenic Escherichia coli strain IMT5155.

Adaptation of avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) to changing host environments including virulence factors expression is vital for disease progression. FdeC is an autotransporter adhesin that plays a role in uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) adhesion to epithelial cells. Expression of fdeC is known to be regulated by environmental conditions in UPEC and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). The observation in a previous study that an APEC strain IMT5155 in which the fdeC gene was disrupted by a transposon insertion resulted in elevated adhesion to chicken intestinal cells prompted us to further explore the role of fdeC in infection. We found that the fdeC gene prevalence and FdeC variant prevalence differed between APEC and nonpathogenic E. coli genomes. Expression of the fdeC gene was induced at host body temperature, an infection relevant condition. Disruption of fdeC resulted in greater adhesion to CHIC-8E11 cells and increased motility at 42 °C compared to wild type (WT) and higher expression of multiple transporter proteins that increased inorganic ion export. Increased motility may be related to increased inorganic ion export since this resulted in downregulation of YbjN, a protein known to supress motility. Inactivation of fdeC in APEC strain IMT5155 resulted in a weaker immune response in chickens compared to WT in experimental infections. Our findings suggest that FdeC is upregulated in the host and contributes to interactions with the host by down-modulating motility during colonization. A thorough understanding of the regulation and function of FdeC could provide novel insights into E. coli pathogenesis.

Genomic analysis of clinical Aeromonas isolates reveals genetic diversity but little evidence of genetic determinants for diarrhoeal disease.

Aeromonas spp. are associated with a number of infectious syndromes in humans including gastroenteritis and dysentery. Our understanding of the genetic diversity, population structure, virulence determinants and antimicrobial resistance of the genus has been limited by a lack of sequenced genomes linked to metadata. We performed a comprehensive analysis of the whole genome sequences of 447 Aeromonas isolates from children in Karachi, Pakistan, with moderate-to-severe diarrhoea (MSD) and from matched controls without diarrhoea that were collected as part of the Global Enteric Multicenter Study (GEMS). Human-associated Aeromonas isolates exhibited high species diversity and extensive antimicrobial and virulence gene content. Aeromonas caviae, A. dhankensis, A. veronii and A. enteropelogenes were all significantly associated with MSD in at least one cohort group. The maf2 and lafT genes that encode components of polar and lateral flagella, respectively, exhibited a weak association with isolates originating from cases of gastroenteritis.

Characterization of clumpy adhesion of Escherichia coli to human cells and associated factors influencing antibiotic sensitivity.

Escherichia coli intestinal infection pathotypes are characterized by distinct adhesion patterns, including the recently described clumpy adhesion phenotype. Here, we identify and characterize the genetic factors contributing to the clumpy adhesion of E. coli strain 4972. In this strain, the transcriptome and proteome of adhered bacteria were found to be distinct from planktonic bacteria in the supernatant. A total of 622 genes in the transcriptome were differentially expressed in bacteria present in clumps relative to the planktonic bacteria. Seven genes targeted for disruption had variable distribution in different pathotypes and nonpathogenic E. coli, with the pilV and spnT genes being the least frequent or absent from most groups. Deletion (Δ) of five differentially expressed genes, flgH, ffp, pilV, spnT, and yggT, affected motility, adhesion, or antibiotic stress. ΔflgH exhibited 80% decrease and ΔyggT depicted 184% increase in adhesion, and upon complementation, adhesion was significantly reduced to 13%. ΔflgH lost motility and was regenerated when complemented, whereas Δffp had significantly increased motility, and reintroduction of the same gene reduced it to the wild-type level. The clumps produced by Δffp and ΔspnT were more resistant and protected the bacteria, with ΔspnT showing the best clump formation in terms of ampicillin stress protection. ΔyggT had the lowest tolerance to gentamicin, where the antibiotic stress completely eliminated the bacteria. Overall, we were able to investigate the influence of clump formation on cell surface adhesion and antimicrobial tolerance, with the contribution of several factors crucial to clump formation on susceptibility to the selected antibiotics. IMPORTANCE: The study explores a biofilm-like clumpy adhesion phenotype in Escherichia coli, along with various factors and implications for antibiotic susceptibility. The phenotype permitted the bacteria to survive the onslaught of high antibiotic concentrations. Profiles of the transcriptome and proteome allowed the differentiation between adhered bacteria in clumps and planktonic bacteria in the supernatant. The deletion mutants of genes differentially expressed between adhered and planktonic bacteria, i.e., flgH, ffp, pilV, spnT, and yggT, and respective complementations in trans cemented their roles in multiple capacities. ffp, an uncharacterized gene, is involved in motility and resistance to ampicillin in a clumpy state. The work also affirms for the first time the role of the yggT gene in adhesion and its involvement in susceptibility against another aminoglycoside antibiotic, i.e., gentamicin. Overall, the study contributes to the mechanisms of biofilm-like adhesion phenotype and understanding of the antimicrobial therapy failures and infections of E. coli.

Collateral sensitivity increases the efficacy of a rationally designed bacteriophage combination to control Salmonella enterica.

The ability of virulent bacteriophages to lyse bacteria influences bacterial evolution, fitness, and population structure. Knowledge of both host susceptibility and resistance factors is crucial for the successful application of bacteriophages as biological control agents in clinical therapy, food processing, and agriculture. In this study, we isolated 12 bacteriophages termed SPLA phage which infect the foodborne pathogen Salmonella enterica. To determine phage host range, a diverse collection of Enterobacteriaceae and Salmonella enterica was used and genes involved in infection by six SPLA phages were identified using Salmonella Typhimurium strain ST4/74. Candidate host receptors included lipopolysaccharide (LPS), cellulose, and BtuB. Lipopolysaccharide was identified as a susceptibility factor for phage SPLA1a and mutations in LPS biosynthesis genes spontaneously emerged during culture with S. Typhimurium. Conversely, LPS was a resistance factor for phage SPLA5b which suggested that emergence of LPS mutations in culture with SPLA1a represented collateral sensitivity to SPLA5b. We show that bacteria-phage co-culture with SPLA1a and SPLA5b was more successful in limiting the emergence of phage resistance compared to single phage co-culture. Identification of host susceptibility and resistance genes and understanding infection dynamics are critical steps in the rationale design of phage cocktails against specific bacterial pathogens.IMPORTANCEAs antibiotic resistance continues to emerge in bacterial pathogens, bacterial viruses (phage) represent a potential alternative or adjunct to antibiotics. One challenge for their implementation is the predisposition of bacteria to rapidly acquire resistance to phages. We describe a functional genomics approach to identify mechanisms of susceptibility and resistance for newly isolated phages that infect and lyse Salmonella enterica and use this information to identify phage combinations that exploit collateral sensitivity, thus increasing efficacy. Collateral sensitivity is a phenomenon where resistance to one class of antibiotics increases sensitivity to a second class of antibiotics. We report a functional genomics approach to rationally design a phage combination with a collateral sensitivity dynamic which resulted in increased efficacy. Considering such evolutionary trade-offs has the potential to manipulate the outcome of phage therapy in favor of resolving infection without selecting for escape mutants and is applicable to other virus-host interactions.

Population structure of Salmonella enterica Typhi in Harare, Zimbabwe (2012-19) before typhoid conjugate vaccine roll-out: a genomic epidemiology study.

BACKGROUND: The continued emergence of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, with ever increasing antimicrobial resistance, necessitates the use of vaccines in endemic countries. A typhoid fever outbreak in Harare, Zimbabwe, in 2018 from a multidrug resistant S Typhi with additional resistance to ciprofloxacin was the catalyst for the introduction of a typhoid conjugate vaccine programme. We aimed to investigate the emergence and evolution of antimicrobial resistance of endemic S Typhi in Zimbabwe and to determine the population structure, gene flux, and sequence polymorphisms of strains isolated before a typhoid conjugate vaccine programme to provide a baseline for future evaluation of the effect of the vaccination programme. METHODS: In this genomic epidemiology study, we used short-read whole-genome sequencing of S Typhi isolated from clinical cases of typhoid fever in Harare, Zimbabwe, between Jan 1, 2012, and Feb 9, 2019, to determine the S Typhi population structure, gene flux, and sequence polymorphisms and reconstructed the evolution of antimicrobial resistance. Maximum likelihood time-scaled phylogenetic trees of Zimbabwe isolates in the context of global isolates obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information were constructed to infer spread and emergence of antimicrobial resistance. FINDINGS: The population structure of S Typhi in Harare, Zimbabwe, from 2012 to 2019 was dominated by multidrug resistant genotype 4.3.1.1.EA1 (H58) that spread to Zimbabwe from neighbouring countries in around 2009 (95% credible interval 2008·5-2010·0). Acquisition of an IncN plasmid carrying antimicrobial resistance genes including a qnrS gene and a mutation in the quinolone resistance determining region of gyrA gene contributed to non-susceptibility and resistance to quinolone antibiotics. A minority population of antimicrobial susceptible S Typhi genotype 3.3.1 strains were present throughout. INTERPRETATION: The currently dominant S Typhi population is genotype 4.3.1.1 that spread to Zimbabwe and acquired additional antimicrobial resistance though acquisition of a plasmid and mutation in the gyrA gene. This study provides a baseline population structure for future evaluation of the effect of the typhoid conjugate vaccine programme in Harare. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Institute Strategic Programme.

A genomic appraisal of invasive Salmonella Typhimurium and associated antibiotic resistance in sub-Saharan Africa.

Invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella (iNTS) disease manifesting as bloodstream infection with high mortality is responsible for a huge public health burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is the main cause of iNTS disease in Africa. By analysing whole genome sequence data from 1303 S. Typhimurium isolates originating from 19 African countries and isolated between 1979 and 2017, here we show a thorough scaled appraisal of the population structure of iNTS disease caused by S. Typhimurium across many of Africa's most impacted countries. At least six invasive S. Typhimurium clades have already emerged, with ST313 lineage 2 or ST313-L2 driving the current pandemic. ST313-L2 likely emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo around 1980 and further spread in the mid 1990s. We observed plasmid-borne as well as chromosomally encoded fluoroquinolone resistance underlying emergences of extensive-drug and pan-drug resistance. Our work provides an overview of the evolution of invasive S. Typhimurium disease, and can be exploited to target control measures.

A hybrid and poly-polish workflow for the complete and accurate assembly of phage genomes: a case study of ten przondoviruses.

Bacteriophages (phages) within the genus Przondovirus are T7-like podoviruses belonging to the subfamily Studiervirinae, within the family Autographiviridae, and have a highly conserved genome organisation. The genomes of these phages range from 37 to 42 kb in size, encode 50-60 genes and are characterised by the presence of direct terminal repeats (DTRs) flanking the linear chromosome. These DTRs are often deleted during short-read-only and hybrid assemblies. Moreover, long-read-only assemblies are often littered with sequencing and/or assembly errors and require additional curation. Here, we present the isolation and characterisation of ten novel przondoviruses targeting Klebsiella spp. We describe HYPPA, a HYbrid and Poly-polish Phage Assembly workflow, which utilises long-read assemblies in combination with short-read sequencing to resolve phage DTRs and correcting errors, negating the need for laborious primer walking and Sanger sequencing validation. Our assembly workflow utilised Oxford Nanopore Technologies for long-read sequencing for its accessibility, making it the more relevant long-read sequencing technology at this time, and Illumina DNA Prep for short-read sequencing, representing the most commonly used technologies globally. Our data demonstrate the importance of careful curation of phage assemblies before publication, and prior to using them for comparative genomics.

Genomic characterization of enterohaemolysin-encoding haemolytic Escherichia coli of animal and human origin.

Enterohaemolysin (Ehx) and alpha-haemolysin are virulence-associated factors (VAFs) causing the haemolytic phenotype in Escherichia coli. It has been shown that chromosomally and plasmid-encoded alpha-haemolysin are characteristic of specific pathotypes, virulence-associated factors and hosts. However, the prevalence of alpha- and enterohaemolysin does not overlap in the majority of pathotypes. Therefore, this study focuses on the characterization of the haemolytic E. coli population associated with multiple pathotypes in human and animal infectious diseases. Using a genomics approach, we investigated characteristic features of the enterohaemolysin-encoding strains to identify factors differentiating enterohaemolysin-positive from alpha-haemolysin-positive E. coli populations. To shed light on the functionality of Ehx subtypes, we analysed Ehx-coding genes and inferred EhxA phylogeny. The two haemolysins are associated with a different repertoire of adhesins, iron acquisition or toxin systems. Alpha-haemolysin is predominantly found in uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) and predicted to be chromosomally encoded, or nonpathogenic and undetermined E. coli pathotypes and typically predicted to be plasmid-encoded. Enterohaemolysin is mainly associated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) and predicted to be plasmid-encoded. Both types of haemolysin are found in atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (aEPEC). Moreover, we identified a new EhxA subtype present exclusively in genomes with VAFs characteristic of nonpathogenic E. coli. This study reveals a complex relationship between haemolytic E. coli of diverse pathotypes, providing a framework for understanding the potential role of haemolysin in pathogenesis.

Strain and serovar variants of Salmonella enterica exhibit diverse tolerance to food chain-related stress.

Non-Typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) continues to be a leading cause of foodborne illness worldwide. Food manufacturers implement hurdle technology by combining more than one approach to control food safety and quality, including preservatives such as organic acids, refrigeration, and heating. We assessed the variation in survival in stresses of genotypically diverse isolates of Salmonella enterica to identify genotypes with potential elevated risk to sub-optimal processing or cooking. Sub-lethal heat treatment, survival in desiccated conditions and growth in the presence of NaCl or organic acids were investigated. S. Gallinarum strain 287/91 was most sensitive to all stress conditions. While none of the strains replicated in a food matrix at 4 °C, S. Infantis strain S1326/28 retained the greatest viability, and six strains exhibited a significantly reduced viability. A S. Kedougou strain exhibited the greatest resistance to incubation at 60 °C in a food matrix that was significantly greater than S. Typhimurium U288, S Heidelberg, S. Kentucky, S. Schwarzengrund and S. Gallinarum strains. Two isolates of monophasic S. Typhimurium, S04698-09 and B54Col9 exhibited the greatest tolerance to desiccation that was significantly more than for the S. Kentucky and S. Typhimurium U288 strains. In general, the presence of 12 mM acetic acid or 14 mM citric acid resulted in a similar pattern of decreased growth in broth, but this was not observed for S. Enteritidis, and S. Typhimurium strains ST4/74 and U288 S01960-05. Acetic acid had a moderately greater effect on growth despite the lower concentration tested. A similar pattern of decreased growth was observed in the presence of 6% NaCl, with the notable exception that S. Typhimurium strain U288 S01960-05 exhibited enhanced growth in elevated NaCl concentrations.

Increased phage resistance through lysogenic conversion accompanying emergence of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium ST34 pandemic strain.

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) comprises a group of closely related human and animal pathogens that account for a large proportion of all Salmonella infections globally. The epidemiological record of S. Typhimurium in Europe is characterized by successive waves of dominant clones, each prevailing for approximately 10-15 years before replacement. Succession of epidemic clones may represent a moving target for interventions aimed at controlling the spread and impact of this pathogen on human and animal health. Here, we investigate the relationship of phage sensitivity and population structure of S. Typhimurium using data from the Anderson phage typing scheme. We observed greater resistance to phage predation of epidemic clones circulating in livestock over the past decades compared to variants with a restricted host range implicating increased resistance to phage in the emergence of epidemic clones of particular importance to human health. Emergence of monophasic S. Typhimurium ST34, the most recent dominant multidrug-resistant clone, was accompanied by increased resistance to phage predation during clonal expansion, in part by the acquisition of the mTmII prophage that may have contributed to the fitness of the strains that replaced ancestors lacking this prophage.

Computational prediction and experimental validation of Salmonella Typhimurium SopE-mediated fine-tuning of autophagy in intestinal epithelial cells.

Macroautophagy is a ubiquitous homeostasis and health-promoting recycling process of eukaryotic cells, targeting misfolded proteins, damaged organelles and intracellular infectious agents. Some intracellular pathogens such as Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium hijack this process during pathogenesis. Here we investigate potential protein-protein interactions between host transcription factors and secreted effector proteins of Salmonella and their effect on host gene transcription. A systems-level analysis identified Salmonella effector proteins that had the potential to affect core autophagy gene regulation. The effect of a SPI-1 effector protein, SopE, that was predicted to interact with regulatory proteins of the autophagy process, was investigated to validate our approach. We then confirmed experimentally that SopE can directly bind to SP1, a host transcription factor, which modulates the expression of the autophagy gene MAP1LC3B. We also revealed that SopE might have a double role in the modulation of autophagy: Following initial increase of MAP1LC3B transcription triggered by Salmonella infection, subsequent decrease in MAP1LC3B transcription at 6h post-infection was SopE-dependent. SopE also played a role in modulation of the autophagy flux machinery, in particular MAP1LC3B and p62 autophagy proteins, depending on the level of autophagy already taking place. Upon typical infection of epithelial cells, the autophagic flux is increased. However, when autophagy was chemically induced prior to infection, SopE dampened the autophagic flux. The same was also observed when most of the intracellular Salmonella cells were not associated with the SCV (strain lacking sifA) regardless of the autophagy induction status before infection. We demonstrated how regulatory network analysis can be used to better characterise the impact of pathogenic effector proteins, in this case, Salmonella. This study complements previous work in which we had demonstrated that specific pathogen effectors can affect the autophagy process through direct interaction with autophagy proteins. Here we show that effector proteins can also influence the upstream regulation of the process. Such interdisciplinary studies can increase our understanding of the infection process and point out targets important in intestinal epithelial cell defense.

Single-cell genomics reveals population structures from in vitro evolutionary studies of Salmonella.

Single-cell DNA sequencing has the potential to reveal detailed hierarchical structures in evolving populations of cells. Single cell approaches are increasingly used to study clonal evolution in human ageing and cancer but have not yet been deployed to study evolving clonal microbial populations. Here, we present an approach for single bacterial genomic analysis for in vitro evolution experiments using FACS isolation of individual bacteria followed by whole-genome amplification and sequencing. We apply this to the experimental evolution of a hypermutator strain of Salmonella in response to antibiotic stress (ciprofloxacin). By analysing sequence polymorphisms in individual cells from populations we identified the presence and prevalence of sub-populations which have acquired polymorphisms in genes previously demonstrated to be associated with ciprofloxacin susceptibility. We were also able to identify that the population exposed to antibiotic stress was able to develop resistance whilst maintaining diversity. This population structure could not be resolved from bulk sequence data, and our results show how high-throughput single-cell sequencing can enhance experimental studies of bacterial evolution.

Multilayered Networks of SalmoNet2 Enable Strain Comparisons of the Salmonella Genus on a Molecular Level.

Serovars of the genus Salmonella primarily evolved as gastrointestinal pathogens in a wide range of hosts. Some serotypes later evolved further, adopting a more invasive lifestyle in a narrower host range associated with systemic infections. A system-level knowledge of these pathogens could identify the complex adaptations associated with the evolution of serovars with distinct pathogenicity, host range, and risk to human health. This promises to aid the design of interventions and serve as a knowledge base in the Salmonella research community. Here, we present SalmoNet2, a major update to SalmoNet1, the first multilayered interaction resource for Salmonella strains, containing protein-protein, transcriptional regulatory, and enzyme-enzyme interactions. The new version extends the number of Salmonella networks from 11 to 20. We now include a strain from the second species in the Salmonella genus, a strain from the Salmonella enterica subspecies arizonae and additional strains of importance from the subspecies enterica, including S. Typhimurium strain D23580, an epidemic multidrug-resistant strain associated with invasive nontyphoidal salmonellosis (iNTS). The database now uses strain specific metabolic models instead of a generalized model to highlight differences between strains. The update has increased the coverage of high-quality protein-protein interactions, and enhanced interoperability with other computational resources by adopting standardized formats. The resource website has been updated with tutorials to help researchers analyze their Salmonella data using molecular interaction networks from SalmoNet2. SalmoNet2 is accessible at http://salmonet.org/. IMPORTANCE Multilayered network databases collate interaction information from multiple sources, and are powerful both as a knowledge base and subject of analysis. Here, we present SalmoNet2, an integrated network resource containing protein-protein, transcriptional regulatory, and metabolic interactions for 20 Salmonella strains. Key improvements to the update include expanding the number of strains, strain-specific metabolic networks, an increase in high-quality protein-protein interactions, community standard computational formats to help interoperability, and online tutorials to help users analyze their data using SalmoNet2.

Faecal carriage of ESBL producing and colistin resistant Escherichia coli in avian species over a 2-year period (2017-2019) in Zimbabwe.

Introduction: Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli have become widespread among food producing animals. These strains serve as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and act as a possible source of infection to humans as transmission can occur by direct or indirect contact. Methods: This study investigated the faecal carriage of ESBL producing and colistin resistant E. coli in poultry over a 2-year period (2017-2019) from Zimbabwe. A total of 21 ESBL positive isolates from poultry cloacal specimens were selected for whole genome sequencing from animal E. coli isolates bio-banked at the National Microbiology Reference laboratory using phenotypic susceptibility testing results from the National Escherichia coli Surveillance Program to provide representation of different geographical regions and year of isolation. Cloacal swabs were collected from 3000 broiler live birds from farm 1 and from farm 2, 40 backyard chickens and 10 ducks were sampled. Antimicrobial susceptibility and ESBL testing were performed as per Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Whole genome sequencing of ESBL producing isolates was used to determine sequence types (STs), ARGs, and phylogroups. Results: Twenty-one of the included E. coli isolates were confirmed as ESBL producers. Three defined sequence type clonal complexes (CCs) were identified (ST10CC, ST155CC and ST23CC), with ST10CC associated with the most antibiotic resistant profile. The ESBL phenotype was linked to the presence of either cefotaximase-Munich-14 (CTX-M-14) or CTX-M-79. Plasmid mediated quinolone resistant determinants identified were qnrB19 and qnrS1 and one ST10CC isolate from farm 1 broiler chickens harbored a mobile colistin resistance gene (mcr-1). Phylogenetic groups most identified were B1, A and unknown. Discussions: The avian ESBL producing E. coli belonged to a diverse group of strains. The detection of several ARGs highlights the importance of implementing enhanced control measures to limit the spread in animals, environment, and humans. This is the first report of mcr-1 in Zimbabwe, which further underscores the importance of the One Health approach to control the spread and development of AMR.

Molecular epidemiology of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing extra-intestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli strains over a 2-year period (2017-2019) from Zimbabwe.

This study was designed to characterize extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing extra-intestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (E.coli) (ExPEC) associated with urinary tract infections in nine different geographic regions of Zimbabwe over a 2-year period (2017-2019). A total of 48 ESBL-positive isolates from urine specimen were selected for whole-genome sequencing from 1246 Escherichia coli isolates biobanked at the National Microbiology Reference laboratory using phenotypic susceptibility testing results from the National Escherichia coli Surveillance Programme to provide representation of different geographical regions and year of isolation. The majority of ESBL E. coli isolates produced cefotaximase-Munich (CTX-M)-15, CTX-M-27, and CTX-M-14. In this study, sequence types (ST) 131 and ST410 were the most predominant antimicrobial-resistant clones and responsible for the increase in ESBL-producing E. coli strains since 2017. Novel ST131 complex strains were recorded during the period 2017 to 2018, thus showing the establishment and evolution of this antimicrobial-resistant ESBL clone in Zimbabwe posing an important public health threat. Incompatibility group F plasmids were predominant among ST131 and ST410 isolates with the following replicons recorded most frequently: F1:A2:B20 (9/19, 47%), F2:A1: B (5/19, 26%), and F1:A1:B49 (8/13, 62%). The results indicate the need for continuous tracking of different ESBL ExPEC clones on a global scale, while targeting specific STs (e.g. ST131 and ST410) through control programs will substantially decrease the spread of ESBLs among ExPEC.

Genomic epidemiology and the role of international and regional travel in the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Zimbabwe: a retrospective study of routinely collected surveillance data.

BACKGROUND: Advances in SARS-CoV-2 sequencing have enabled identification of new variants, tracking of its evolution, and monitoring of its spread. We aimed to use whole genome sequencing to describe the molecular epidemiology of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak and to inform the implementation of effective public health interventions for control in Zimbabwe. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of nasopharyngeal samples collected from nine laboratories in Zimbabwe between March 20 and Oct 16, 2020. Samples were taken as a result of quarantine procedures for international arrivals or to test for infection in people who were symptomatic or close contacts of positive cases. Samples that had a cycle threshold of less than 30 in the diagnostic PCR test were processed for sequencing. We began our analysis in July, 2020 (120 days since the first case), with a follow-up in October, 2020 (at 210 days since the first case). The phylogenetic relationship of the genome sequences within Zimbabwe and global samples was established using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. FINDINGS: Of 92 299 nasopharyngeal samples collected during the study period, 8099 were PCR-positive and 328 were available for sequencing, with 156 passing sequence quality control. 83 (53%) of 156 were from female participants. At least 26 independent introductions of SARS-CoV-2 into Zimbabwe in the first 210 days were associated with 12 global lineages. 151 (97%) of 156 had the Asp614Gly mutation in the spike protein. Most cases, 93 (60%), were imported from outside Zimbabwe. Community transmission was reported 6 days after the onset of the outbreak. INTERPRETATION: Initial public health interventions delayed onset of SARS-CoV-2 community transmission after the introduction of the virus from international and regional migration in Zimbabwe. Global whole genome sequence data are essential to reveal major routes of spread and guide intervention strategies. FUNDING: WHO, Africa CDC, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Medical Research Council, National Institute for Health Research, and Genome Research Limited.

Functional analysis of colonization factor antigen I positive enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli identifies genes implicated in survival in water and host colonization.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) expressing the colonization pili CFA/I are common causes of diarrhoeal infections in humans. Here, we use a combination of transposon mutagenesis and transcriptomic analysis to identify genes and pathways that contribute to ETEC persistence in water environments and colonization of a mammalian host. ETEC persisting in water exhibit a distinct RNA expression profile from those growing in richer media. Multiple pathways were identified that contribute to water survival, including lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and stress response regulons. The analysis also indicated that ETEC growing in vivo in mice encounter a bottleneck driving down the diversity of colonizing ETEC populations.

Salmonella pathogenesis and host-adaptation in farmed animals.

Salmonella is an animal and zoonotic pathogen of global importance. Depending on pathogen and host factors, infections can be asymptomatic or involve acute gastroenteritis or invasive disease. Genomic signatures associated with host-range, tissue tropism or differential virulence of Salmonella enterica serovars, and their variants, have emerged. In turn, it is becoming feasible to predict invasive potential, host-adaptation and zoonotic risk of Salmonella from sequence data to improve outbreak investigation, risk assessment and control strategies. Functional annotation of Salmonella genomes has accelerated with the screening of high-density mutant libraries, revealing host-specific, niche-specific and serovar-specific virulence factors. As natural hosts and reservoirs, farmed animals provide powerful insights into host-adaptation and pathogenesis of Salmonella not always evident from surrogate rodent or cell-based models.

Large-scale sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 genomes from one region allows detailed epidemiology and enables local outbreak management.

The COVID-19 pandemic has spread rapidly throughout the world. In the UK, the initial peak was in April 2020; in the county of Norfolk (UK) and surrounding areas, which has a stable, low-density population, over 3200 cases were reported between March and August 2020. As part of the activities of the national COVID-19 Genomics Consortium (COG-UK) we undertook whole genome sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 genomes present in positive clinical samples from the Norfolk region. These samples were collected by four major hospitals, multiple minor hospitals, care facilities and community organizations within Norfolk and surrounding areas. We combined clinical metadata with the sequencing data from regional SARS-CoV-2 genomes to understand the origins, genetic variation, transmission and expansion (spread) of the virus within the region and provide context nationally. Data were fed back into the national effort for pandemic management, whilst simultaneously being used to assist local outbreak analyses. Overall, 1565 positive samples (172 per 100 000 population) from 1376 cases were evaluated; for 140 cases between two and six samples were available providing longitudinal data. This represented 42.6 % of all positive samples identified by hospital testing in the region and encompassed those with clinical need, and health and care workers and their families. In total, 1035 cases had genome sequences of sufficient quality to provide phylogenetic lineages. These genomes belonged to 26 distinct global lineages, indicating that there were multiple separate introductions into the region. Furthermore, 100 genetically distinct UK lineages were detected demonstrating local evolution, at a rate of ~2 SNPs per month, and multiple co-occurring lineages as the pandemic progressed. Our analysis: identified a discrete sublineage associated with six care facilities; found no evidence of reinfection in longitudinal samples; ruled out a nosocomial outbreak; identified 16 lineages in key workers which were not in patients, indicating infection control measures were effective; and found the D614G spike protein mutation which is linked to increased transmissibility dominates the samples and rapidly confirmed relatedness of cases in an outbreak at a food processing facility. The large-scale genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2-positive samples has provided valuable additional data for public health epidemiology in the Norfolk region, and will continue to help identify and untangle hidden transmission chains as the pandemic evolves.