Characterizing the pangenome-based virulome and resistome of uropathogenic Escherichia coli from Ecuador.

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is one of the leading causes of bacterial Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) worldwide. In this study, we characterized the UPEC pangenome in Ecuador, focusing on the virulome and resistome of 142 genomes sequenced using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Our analysis revealed a structure of 16,732 genes, including a conserved core of 3,385 genes and a dynamic accessory genome of 13,347 genes. The ST131 lineage was predominant, accounting for 42.3 % of the total, whereas the O25:H4 serotype was present in 42.96 % of the cases. The resistome was associated with a large accessory gene repertoire, with 3,712 significant associations identified across 29 antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). The virulome was organized into 23 main profiles, with adhesion and siderophore genes being the most abundant. These findings demonstrate the presence of high-risk variants in terms of virulence and resistance circulating in Ecuador, which requires the establishment of improved health control strategies in the region.