Differences in Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase ProducingEscherichia coliVirulence Factor Genes in the Baltic Sea Region
The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of different virulence factor (VF) genes in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producingEscherichia colistrains isolated from the Baltic Sea region. A total of 432 strains of phenotypically ESBL positiveE. coliwere collected from 20 institutions located in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and the region of St. Petersburg in Russia from January to May 2012 and analyzed for phylogenetic group and prevalence of 23 VF genes. The strains were collected from clinical material (urine, blood, wound, and respiratory tract). Bacterial isolates were compared according to phylogenetic group, clinical material, and geographical origin. Most of the VF genes were concentrated within phylogenetic group B2 and/or D. When comparing strains isolated from different countries, it was found that strains originating from Estonia and Latvia belonged mainly to group B2 and strains from Lithuania and Russia mainly to groups B2 and D. The P-fimbrial adhesin genepapEFwas more prevalent in Russian strains, colicin genecvaCin Lithuanian strains, and capsular genekpsMTIIin Latvian strains; serum resistant genetraTwas less prevalent in Estonian strains. The regional differences of VF genes remained statistically significant after taking into account the phylogenetic distribution in the countries.