Genome characterization of CP-E. coli in seabirds from central Chile

1. Kelp gulls from central Chile carry carbapenemase-producing E. coli (CP-E. coli) in 2021 and 2022 2. No CP-E. coli isolates were detected in Pelicans or Franklin's gulls nesting close to Kelp gulls in the studied area 3. Carbapenemase genes detected include mainly blaNDM-5 (10 out of 11 isolates) and blaOXA-48 (one isolate). 4. blaNDM-5 were carried mostly encoded by IncFII replicon plasmids. 5. ExPEC-related virulence genes were detected in all blaNDM-5-carrying plasmids, suggesting pathogenic potential of CP-E. coli carried by Kelp gulls.