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 bla(CTX-M-)(55) gene on the plasmid, exhibited extensive homology to IncFIB (98.4%) and IncFIC(FII) (95.8%). The EC1809191 strain, harboring the bla(CTX-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.