Characterization of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing <i>Escherichia coli</i> Isolates That Cause Diarrhea in Sheep in Northwest China
Xueliang Zhao, Haoyu Zhao, Zilian Zhou, Yongqiang Miao, Ruichao Li, Baowei Yang, Chenyang Cao, Sa Xiao, Xinglong Wang, Haijin Liu, Juan Wang, Zengqi Yang
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), especially the simultaneous resistance to several antibiotics (multidrug resistance [MDR]), is one of the greatest threats to global public health in the 21st century. Among animals, chickens, pigs, and cattle are reservoirs of these pathogens worldwide. Nevertheless, there is a knowledge gap on ESBL-producing E. coli from small ruminants in China. This study is the largest and most comprehensive analysis of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates from sheep, including antibiotic resistance profiles, phylogenetic groups, serotypes, multilocus sequence types (MLST), insert sequences (IS), antibiotic resistance genes, disinfectant resistance genes, and heavy metal resistance genes. We recommend extending the surveillance of AMR of sheep-origin E. coli to prevent future public health risks.