Draft genome sequences of Escherichia coli O113:H21 strains recovered from a major produce-production region in California

Authors: Quinones, Beatriz; Yambao, Jaszemyn; Lee, Bertram

Submitted to: Genome Announcements
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/2/2017
Publication Date: 11/2/2017
Citation: Quinones, B., Yambao, J.C., Lee, B.G. 2017. Draft genome sequences of Escherichia coli O113:H21 strains recovered from a major produce-production region in California. Genome Announcements. https://doi.org/10.1128/genomeA.01203-17.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/genomeA.01203-17

Interpretive Summary: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a foodborne and waterborne pathogen and is responsible for outbreaks of human gastroenteritis with diverse clinical spectra, ranging from watery and bloody diarrhea to hemorrhagic colitis. In some cases the infection progresses to more severe conditions such as the hemolytic uremic syndrome. Serotype O157:H7 has been commonly associated with the development of severe disease symptoms; however, non-O157 serotypes have been implicated in outbreaks from waterborne and foodborne sources. In particular, serotype O113:H21 has been shown to be also responsible for cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome. Surveillance studies have indicated cattle to be the main reservoir of STEC O113:H21 strains lacking the adhesin intimin but harboring Shiga toxin gene subtypes, frequently implicated in human infections and severe illnesses. The increased detection of STEC O113:21 and its links to severe clinical cases highlight the importance of this serotype as a relevant emerging pathogen. In the present study, next-generation sequencing was performed to obtain draft genome assembly of seven STEC O113:H21 strains recovered from livestock, wildlife, and soil samples collected in a major agricultural region for leafy greens production in California’s Central Coast. The sequencing data of these STEC O113:H21 strains enabled a better understanding of the genetic composition of relevant virulence factors implicated in severe human illness.

Technical Abstract: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli is a foodborne and waterborne pathogen and is responsible for outbreaks of human gastroenteritis. This report documents the draft genome sequences of seven O113:H21 strains recovered from livestock, wildlife, and soil samples collected in a major agricultural region for leafy greens located in California, United States.