Isolation of a highly virulent colibactin-positive tumor-promoting strain of Escherichia coli from the gut microbiota of an adult

Key Points

• The study aims to identify a virulent colibactin-positive E. coli strain linked to tumor development.
• Isolated a strain of E. coli from the gut microbiota of an adult.
• Used murine models to assess tumorigenesis and impacts on kidney and inflammatory conditions.
• Evaluated the strain's effects on colitis and sepsis.
• The identified E. coli strain caused tumor development in mice, significantly contributing to tumorigenesis.
• This strain worsened both colitis and sepsis in murine models, indicating its high virulence.
• The strain led to kidney dissemination and increased mortality in mice.