Escherichia coli
Public and Environmental Health MicrobiologySelective Survival of Escherichia coli Phylotypes in Freshwater Beach SandFecal pollution monitoring still relies on E. coli enumeration, despite the fact that this organism can survive for prolonged periods and has been shown to be easily transported from sand into surrounding waters through waves and runoff, thus no longer representing recent fecal pollution events. Here, we demonstrate experimentally that regardless of the host source,...
Meeting Review | SpotlightA Toxic Environment: a Growing Understanding of How Microbial Communities Affect Escherichia coli O157:H7 Shiga Toxin ExpressionEnterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) strains, including E. coli O157:H7, cause severe illness in humans due to the production of Shiga toxin (Stx) and other virulence factors. Because Stx is coregulated with lambdoid prophage induction, its expression is especially susceptible to environmental...
Meeting PresentationVitamin K Analogs Influence the Growth and Virulence Potential of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coliEnterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) can cause serious illness and deaths in humans by producing toxins that can severely damage our intestines and kidneys. There is currently no optimal treatment for EHEC infections, as antibiotics can worsen disease development. Consequently, the need for new treatment options is urgent. Environmental factors in our intestines can...
Meeting ReviewThe Intriguing Interaction of Escherichia coli with the Host Environment and Innovative Strategies To Interfere with Colonization: a Summary of the 2019 E. coli and the Mucosal Immune System MeetingThe third E. coli and the Mucosal Immune System (ECMIS) meeting was held at Ghent University in Belgium from 2 to 5 June 2019. It brought together an international group of scientists interested in mechanisms of colonization, host response, and vaccine development. ECMIS distinguishes itself from related meetings on these enteropathogens by providing a greater...
Public and Environmental Health MicrobiologyCarriage of Extended-Spectrum-Beta-Lactamase- and AmpC Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Strains from Humans and Pets in the Same HouseholdsEnterobacteriaceae that produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC beta-lactamases (ACBLs) are important pathogens and can cause community-acquired illnesses, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs). Fecal carriage of these resistant bacteria by companion animals may pose a risk for transmission to humans. Our work evaluated the sharing of ESBL- and ACBL-producing...
Meeting PresentationPorcine and Bovine Forms of Lactoferrin Inhibit Growth of Porcine Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Degrade Its Virulence FactorsCurrently, postweaning F4+ and F18+Escherichia coli infections in piglets are controlled by the use of antibiotics and zinc oxide, but the use of these antimicrobial agents most likely contributes to an increase in antibiotic resistance. Our work demonstrates that bovine and porcine lactoferrin can inhibit the growth of porcine enterotoxigenic...
Genetics and Molecular BiologyF4- and F18-Positive Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Isolates from Diarrhea of Postweaning Pigs: Genomic CharacterizationDiarrhea in the postweaning period due to enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) is an economically relevant disease in pig production worldwide. In Denmark, prevention is mainly achieved by zinc oxide administration (to be discontinued by 2022). In addition, a breeding program has been implemented that aims to reduce the prevalence of this illness. Treatment with...
Physiology | SpotlightMultiple Drug-Induced Stress Responses Inhibit Formation of Escherichia coli BiofilmsThe prevention of bacterial biofilm formation is one of the major current challenges in microbiology. Here, by systematically screening a large number of approved drugs for their ability to suppress biofilm formation by Escherichia coli, we identified a number of prospective antibiofilm compounds. We further demonstrated different mechanisms of action for individual...
Environmental MicrobiologyGenetic and Phenotypic Factors Associated with Persistent Shedding of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli by Beef CattleFood animal reservoirs contribute to Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) evolution via the acquisition of horizontally acquired elements like Shiga toxin bacteriophages that enhance pathogenicity. In cattle, persistent fecal shedding of STEC contributes to contamination of beef and dairy products and to crops being exposed to contaminated water systems....
