Public health concern of antimicrobial resistance and virulence determinants in E. coli isolates from oysters in Egypt

The study investigates the role of Egyptian oysters as a source for E. coli, identifying their resistance and virulence-associated gene profiles. 33 fresh oyster samples were examined for E. coli, with 72.7% of them being multi-drug resistant. The most prevalent gene was blaTEM, with blaCMY2 being the most prevalent. Most isolates carry virulence genes associated with extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli (87.5%) and enteropathogenic (70.8%) pathotypes. The study provides the first insight into the emergence of virulent MDR E. coli among oysters in Egypt, highlighting the potential threat to public health.