Whole genome sequencing of environmental Escherichia coli

Study goal and relevance: Escherichia coli is a pathogenic bacterium causing diseases in humans and animals. The aim is to study whole genome sequences of environmental Escherichia coli, from the perspective of comparing them with whole genome sequences of antibiotic resistant E. coli pathogenic to humans, to understand differences, if any, in them and to find out whether these can be exploited for the benefit of mankind as antibiotic resistance of microbes has become a worldwide menace. WHO has declared antibiotic resistance as threat to mankind.