Global Incidence of Carbapenemase-Producing Escherichia Coli ST131

Abstract

Escherichia coli sequence type 131 (ST131) was identified as pathogenic to humans in 2008; retrospective research suggests that its isolates have been present since at least 2003. The group has spread extensively and has been linked to the rapid global increase in the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among E. coli strains (1). The intercontinental dissemination of this sequence type has contributed immensely to the worldwide emergence of fluoroquinolone-resistant and CTX-M-producing E. coli (1,2). Recent surveillance studies have shown that its overall prevalence ranges from 12.5% to 30% of all E. coli clinical isolates, from 70% to 80% of fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates, and from 50% to 60% of extended spectrum betalactamase- producing isolates (3). The development of resistance to carbapenems among E. coli is of particular concern because these agents are often the last line of effective therapy available for the treatment of persons with serious infections (4). New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) and carbapenem-hydrolyzing oxacillinase-48 (OXA-48) are the most common carbapenemases among E. coli worldwide (5).