Virulence Factor Profiles and Phylogenetic Background of<i>Escherichia coli</i>Isolates from Veterans with Bacteremia and Uninfected Control Subjects

Abstract

Although phylogenetic group partially corresponds with virulence potential in E. coli bacteremia, VFs are more-powerful predictors of pathogenic potential. Bacteremia isolates exhibit an arsenal of VFs that distinguishes them from rectal isolates from uninfected hosts, which makes these differences attractive potential targets in vaccine or drug development.