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Review
. 2017 Feb 28:6:F1000 Faculty Rev-195.
doi: 10.12688/f1000research.10609.1. eCollection 2017.

Escherichia coli ST131: a multidrug-resistant clone primed for global domination

Johann D D Pitout  1 , Rebekah DeVinney  2
Affiliations
Review

Escherichia coli ST131: a multidrug-resistant clone primed for global domination

Johann D D Pitout et al. F1000Res. .

Abstract

A single extra-intestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) clone, named sequence type (ST) 131, is responsible for millions of global antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) infections annually. Population genetics indicate that ST131 consists of different clades (i.e. A, B, and C); however, clade C is the most dominant globally. A ST131 subclade, named C1-M27, is emerging in Japan and has been responsible for the recent increase in AMR ExPEC in that country. The sequential acquisition of several virulence and AMR genes associated with mobile genetic elements during the 1960s to 1980s primed clade C (and its subclades C1 and C2) for success in the 1990s to 2000s. IncF plasmids with F1:A2:B20 and F2:A1:B replicons have shaped the evolution of the C1 and C2 subclades. It is possible that ST131 is a host generalist with different accessory gene profiles. Compensatory mutations within the core genome of this clone have counterbalanced the fitness cost associated with IncF plasmids. ST131 clade C had dramatically changed the population structure of ExPEC, but it still remains unclear which features of this clade resulted in one of the most unprecedented AMR successes of the 2000s.

Keywords: Escherichia coli ST131; ExPEC; antimicrobial-resistant infection.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: JDDP has previously received research funds from Merck and Astra Zeneca. RdeV has no competing interests to declare.No competing interests were disclosed.No competing interests were disclosed.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Stepwise evolution of Escherichia coli ST131 clades B, B0, C0, and C.
FQ, fluoroquinolones; GI, genomic islands; Inc, incompatibility; Phi, prophages; ST, sequence types.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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    2. F1000 Recommendation