Characterization of Eight Outbreak-Associated Escherichia coli Isolates of the O3:H2 Serotype

Whole-genome sequencing was performed on eight Escherichia coli isolates of the O3:H2 serotype associated with a diarrheal outbreak in Brazil. Based on differences in gene content, the isolates were classified into three distinct diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) pathotypes: one atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (aEPEC), four enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), and three hybrid aEPEC/EAEC strains. The data from this study highlight the genotypic plasticity of E. coli of serotype O3:H2 and underscore the emergence of hybrid aEPEC/EAEC strains as a cause of diarrheal disease in humans. Draft Illumina assemblies.