Diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) is one of the major pathogens causing diarrheal diseases globally. Some strains of DEC exhibit alarmingly high levels of antibiotic resistance. The emergence of these resistant strains has rendered many first - line treatment options ineffective, greatly complicating the treatment of severe and persistent diarrhea cases. The widespread overuse of antibiotics has further accelerated the appearance of multidrug - resistant (MDR) strains, which are resistant to a wide range of antibiotics. In this situation, continuous research is crucial for monitoring and curbing the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in DEC.

A study published in One Health Advances on October 30, 2024 (DOI: 10.1186/s44280 - 024 - 00064 - w) focuses on the growing problem of AMR in diarrheagenic E. coli in China. Conducted by researchers from the China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment and provincial research centers, this study analyzed E. coli isolates from 2016 to 2022, providing valuable insights into the evolving resistance patterns.

During the seven - year study period, researchers analyzed 9,068 DEC samples collected from sporadic human diarrhea cases across 20 Chinese provinces. The results were remarkable: 89.3% of the isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent, and 60.3% showed multidrug resistance. Notably, 68.2% of the isolates were resistant to ampicillin, while the resistance rate to imipenem remained relatively low at 1.6%. In addition, the resistance to cefoxitin and chloramphenicol showed a concerning upward trend. The dominant pathotype was Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), accounting for 47.3% of the isolates. There were significant differences in resistance levels among different age groups, especially in infants under one year old, who showed higher resistance to several antibiotics. These detailed resistance profiles offer critical information for optimizing clinical treatment strategies and highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to control the spread of resistant strains.

Dr. Yunchang Guo, the lead researcher, emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring and proactive measures to address the growing issue of AMR. "Our findings highlight the urgent need for stricter antibiotic regulations in both human and livestock use, as well as the adoption of a 'One Health' approach to minimize the impact of food - borne infections caused by resistant DEC," said Dr. Yunchang Guo.

The implications of this research are extensive. It provides essential data for clinicians and policymakers to develop effective treatment methods and strategies against DEC infections. The particularly high resistance rates in infants emphasize the critical need for continuous AMR surveillance in China. This study also contributes to the broader effort of protecting public health by addressing the global challenge of AMR and promoting interdisciplinary actions to prevent the spread of resistant pathogens.

Source: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Reference: Han, H., et al. (2024). Seven - year overview of antimicrobial resistance in diarrheagenic Escherichia coli from sporadic human diarrhea cases in 20 Chinese provinces. One Health Advances. doi.org/10.1186/s44280 - 024 - 00064 - w.