O-serotype distribution of Escherichia coli bloodstream infection isolates in critically ill patients in The Netherlands

Objectives: Invasive infections by extra-intestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) strains are increasing. We determined O-serogroups of E. coli isolates from ICU patients having bloodstream infections (BSI) and the potential coverage of a 10-valent O-polysaccharide conjugate vaccine currently in development for the prevention of invasive ExPEC disease. Methods: We studied E. coli BSI among patients admitted to a tertiary ICU in the Netherlands between April 2011 and November 2016. O-serogroups were determined in vitro by agglutination and whole genome sequencing. Results: Among 714 ICU patients having BSI, 70 (10%) had an E. coli BSI. Among 68 (97%) isolates sero-grouped, the most common serogroups were O25 (n = 11; 16%), O8 (n = 5; 7%), O2 (n = 4; 6%), O6 (n = 4; 6%), and O15 (n = 4; 6%). The theoretical coverage of a 10-valent ExPEC vaccine was 54% (n = 37). Conclusions: A multi-valent ExPEC O-polysaccharide conjugate vaccine in development could potentially aid in the prevention of E. coli BSI in Dutch ICU patients. (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

This study investigated E. coli BSI in ICU patients in the Netherlands and identified common O-serogroups. The research suggests that a vaccine currently in development may help prevent E. coli BSI.