A pan-European study of Escherichia coli shows differences in profile and transmission of critical resistances between One-Health compartments
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a global burden, with One-Health at its core. We used genomics for precision monitoring of AMR and tracking transmission of 3745 Escherichia coli collected through various programs and compartments (livestock, food, humans) in six European countries. Additionally, a novel methodology for detecting AMR plasmids was applied. We detected widespread resistances to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, critically important antimicrobials (CIA) for therapeutics; whilst resistances to disinfectants and other CIAs were variable, with carbapenem and tigecycline resistances being low. Isolates clustered according to phylogroups, with evidence of animal-food and human-animal transmission of AMR-bearing isolates. Several extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-plasmids were conserved and widely transmitted within livestock and food isolates across countries; these plasmids were not detected in human isolates. The results verify dissemination of AMR E. coli within countries and compartments across Europe; the notable differences in conserved plasmids in humans to livestock and meat requires further explorations to evaluate risks.