Unraveling virulence determinants in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli from Uganda and Tanzania using whole-genome sequencing

E. coli significantly causes nosocomial infections and rampant spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). There is limited data on genomic characterization of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli from African clinical settings. This hospital-based longitudinal study unraveled the genetic virulence factors in ESBL E. coli isolates from Uganda and Tanzania using whole genome sequencing (WGS). A total of 73 ESBL multi-drug resistant E. coli isolates from both Tanzania and Uganda were analyzed and out of these 40 and 33 originated from Uganda and Tanzania respectively.