Plasmid-driven evolution of a multi-drug resistant ETEC/ExPEC hybrid E. coli associated with neonatal septicemia in lambs, a challenge for veterinary diagnostics

AIMS: Precise characterization of Escherichia coli isolates plays a crucial role in the treatment and prevention of diseases in animal production. The classical diagnostic approach to define pathotypes of E. coli relies on detection of virulence genes. However, by targeting a limited set of genetic markers, routine PCR-based approaches may hinder the detection of atypical pathogenic isolates, especially in bacteria with high genomic plasticity. METHODS AND RESULTS: Genomic approaches were used to characterize a hybrid ETEC/ExPEC E. coli strain isolated from lambs submitted for necropsy over the course of six months, during an investigation of persistent neonatal mortality. Most lambs submitted for necropsy showed lesions suggestive of a septicemia. Routine PCR analysis detected genes encoding two ETEC-associated toxins but none of the ExPEC-associated virulence genes commonly targeted in routine diagnostics. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a diverse set of virulence genes, consistent with the hybrid nature of the strain. Genes encoding toxins were located on plasmids, while ExPEC-associated virulence factors were found to be chromosomally encoded. Genomic analyses revealed rapid antimicrobial resistance evolution, driven by plasmid acquisition. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights how horizontal gene transfer promotes the development of hybrid pathotype and facilitates resistance genes acquisition, compromising traditional diagnostic approaches and treatment. ExPEC strains are particularly difficult to identify due to their diverse and ill-defined virulence markers, which are not always targeted by standard genotyping tests. Emergence of atypical E. coli strains such as those with hybrid pathotypes reinforces the need for more comprehensive methods such as whole-genome sequencing in veterinary diagnostics.