Exploring novel virulence strategies in Escherichia coli. Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli are characterized by harboring both commensal strains and strains that are pathogenic to the intestinal and extraintestinal sites of humans and warm-blooded animals. This plurality of behavior is due to the extreme permissiveness of E. coli in acquiring DNA via HGT (Horizontal Gene Transfer) and the fact that most of its virulence determinants are in mobile genetic elements. The emergence of hybrid strains bearing different combinations of virulence factors, classically associated with specific pathotypes, demonstrates that many gaps remain in understanding the E. coli pathogenicity. This project aims to advance the knowledge of different E. coli virulence strategies and to exceed the borders currently established in the definition of the different pathotypes.To address aspects regarding bacterial pathogenicity, this multicentric project (UNIFESP, Butantan, and UNESP) sequenced genomes of diverse E.coli strains isolated from humans and belonging to different pathotypes.