Novel Insights and Features of the NDM-5-Producing Escherichia coli Sequence Type 167 High-Risk Clone

Abstract

Global dissemination of some E. coli high-risk clones has been described in the last decades. The most widespread was the ST131 clone, associated with extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase (ESBL) production. Genomics of ST131 demonstrated that one clade within the ST emerged in the early 2000s, followed by a rapid, global expansion. The E. coli ST167 clone is emerging throughout the world, being frequently reported for its association with carbapenem resistance. Our study shows that virulence features are differently represented within the ST167 population. One clade shows the K48 capsular synthesis gene cluster of K. pneumoniae , not previously described for E. coli , and is populated by NDM-5-producing strains. The combination of resistance and virulence may sustain the global expansion of this specific ST167 clade.