Whole-genome sequencing analysis of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O22:H8 isolated from cattle prediction pathogenesis and colonization factors and position in STEC universe phylogeny

Abstract

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a foodborne pathogen capable of causing illness in humans. In a previous study, our group showed that a STEC isolate belonging to O22:H8 serotype (strain 154) can interfere with STEC O157:H7 colonization both in vitro and in vivo. Using whole-genome sequencing and genomic comparative, we predicted a subset of genes acquired by O22:H8 strain 154 through horizontal gene transfer that might be responsible for the phenotype previously described by our group. Among them were identified genes related to the pathogenesis of non-LEE (locus of enterocyte effacement) STEC, specific metabolic processes, antibiotic resistance and genes encoding for the T6SS-1 that is related to inter-bacterial competition. In addition, we showed that this strain carries stx1c and stx2dact, a mucus-inducible variant. The results obtained in this study provide insights into STEC genomic plasticity and the importance of genomic islands in the adaptation and pathogenesis of this pathogen.