Comparative genomics of STEC-ExPEC hybrids. STEC-ExPEC hybrid pathotypes

In the last decade, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli serogroup O80 has emerged in Europe causing haemolytic uremic syndrome cases associated with bacteremia. STEC O80 have been described as a hybrid pathotype, possessing various virulence features among which the mosaic plasmid pR444_A, which combines virulence genes characteristic of extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) with multiple antimicrobial resistance determinants. This study describes the characterization via whole genome sequencing of STEC-ExPEC strains isolated in Italy and the Netherlands in the period 2000-2019.