Abstract
Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the virulence factors in Escherichia coli producing extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) derived from the perinatal fecal colonization flora of mothers and their newborns in a Chinese obstetric ward.
Study Design Rectal swabs were obtained from mothers prenatally and from their newborns postnatally, and analyzed for ESBL-producing Escherichia coli. The isolates were then whole-genome sequenced.
Results Maternal and neonatal colonization by ESBL-producing E. coli in a Chinese obstetric ward was 18% (31/177) and 5% (9/170), respectively. Fecal ESBL-producing isolates exhibited a significantly lower frequency of virulence factors compared with invasive E. coli.
Conclusion Providing balanced information on screening results is essential, along with conducting a risk assessment for antibiotic treatment strategies.
Key Points
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High ESBL E. coli colonization rates in mothers and neonates perinatally
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Fecal ESBL-producing E. coli showed fewer virulence traits.
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ESBL-producing E. coli knowledge may prompt antibiotic overuse.
Keywords
Escherichia coli
- fecal carriage - virulence factors - extended-spectrum β-lactamase - ESBL
