Genetic relatedness, phylogenetic groups, antibiotic resistance, and virulence genes associated with ExPEC inEscherichia coliisolates from finfish and shellfish

The aim of the study was to isolate and characterizeEscherichia colifrom finfish and shellfish. A total of 100E. coliisolates (finfish = 42, shellfish = 58) were used in this study. Frequently encountered serotypes in shellfish and finfish were O14, O159, O23, and O5. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a significantly high prevalence of the B2 group in shellfish (p < .05), while B1 and C groups were significantly more prevalent in finfish (p < .05). The prevalence of antibiotic resistance was significantly higher in finfish isolates (85.71%), compared to shellfish isolates (31.03%). The prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs)-harboringE. coliwas high in finfish (28.57%) compared to shellfish (15.5%). The incidence of extraintestinal pathogenicE. coli(ExPEC) was very low in seafood. Our finding suggests that seafood contaminated withE. colistrains harboring ARGs and virulence genes associated with ExPEC may have a significant health impact on consumers. Practical applications Finfish and shellfish are widely consumed all over the world because of their high nutritional quality. However, contaminated seafood consumption would result in serious health issues in consumers. The risk of health would be further complicated if seafood associated infections are caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic-resistant and extraintestinal pathogenicE. coliisolates from seafood represent the potential risk for consumers. Consumption of raw and partially cooked seafood should be avoided.