APEC O1:K1:H7

We have recently finished sequencing the genome of an avian pathogenic Escherichia coli isolate. This is the first E. coli strain sequenced which was isolated from an animal. We chose this strain for sequencing because it was highly representative of over 500 APEC which we examined for the presence of more than 40 virulence-associated genes. This strain was also selected because it belonged to a O serogroup implicated in both animal and human extraintestinal infection. Comparison of this strain, APEC O1, with other sequenced human ExPEC revealed that its chromosome was extremely similar to strains isolated from cases of human urinary tract infection and human neonatal meningitis. Our results suggest that the possibility of certain clonal types of APEC being implicated in human disease cannot be ruled out. We are currently investigating if strains such as APEC O1 can actually overcome the hurdles necessary for transmission to humans via the foodchain and establishment of disease in humans. We are also investigating the probability that this phenomenon actually occurs from an epidemiological standpoint.

BLAST the APEC O1 genome

Genotyping of over 1,000 APEC and E. coli isolated from cases of human urinary tract infection

Circular map of APEC O1 and comparison to sequenced human UPEC strains

MLST to compare the relatedness of sequenced E. coli strains