Deep sequencing of Escherichia coli exposes colonisation diversity and impact of antibiotics in Punjab, Pakistan

A study in Pakistan found that the genetic diversity of multi-drug resistant E. coli in local populations is limited. The study involved collecting samples from outpatients and community dwellers, revealing a significant genetic diversity in gut colonisation. The Punjabi population had a different distribution of genetic lineages and AMR determinants compared to high-income countries. The study suggests longitudinal genomics-based surveillance is crucial for understanding the interplay between ecology and evolution in E. coli maintenance and dissemination.