Population structure and antibiotic resistance of swine extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli from China

A study on 499 swine-derived ExPEC isolates from China reveals their phylogenetically diverse nature, with over 80% belonging to phylogroups B1 and A. 15 isolates show genetic similarity to human-origin E. coli strains, and 49 have toxins typical of enteric E. coli pathotypes. 97% are multidrug resistant, including resistance to critical human drugs. The study highlights the importance of monitoring and controlling ExPEC infections in animals to prevent human health risks.