ESBL-producing E. coli bacteria from migratory birds at Mai Po in Hong Kong
This BioProject investigates the genomic characteristics of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli isolated from wild migratory birds at the Mai Po Nature Reserve in Hong Kong, a key stopover site along major avian migration routes. The aim of study was to explore the role of wild birds as reservoirs and potential disseminators of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factors across geographical regions. Cloacal swabs were collected from wild birds and processed using selective enrichment on Brilliance ESBL agar to isolate target bacteria. Species confirmation was performed with Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry. All confirmed ESBL-producing E. coli isolates underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION platform with R10.4.1 flow-cell. The resulting genomic data provide ARGs and virulence determinants circulating within this environmental ecosystem. These findings provide valuable insights into the presence of resistance genetic elements, which are highly significant for public health.