Genomic analysis uncovers a phenotypically diverse but genetically homogeneous Escherichia coli ST131 clone circulating in unrelated urinary tract infections

Abstract

A dominant circulating clone of E. coli ST131 has been identified in unrelated clinical urine samples in the UK. The clone splits into two distinct subgroups on the basis of antimicrobial resistance levels and carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase plasmids. This provides the most comprehensive snapshot to date of the true molecular epidemiology of ST131 clinical isolates.