Virulence potential of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli isolated during the perinatal period

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the virulence factors in Escherichia coli producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) derived from the perinatal fecal colonization flora of mothers and their newborns in a Chinese obstetric ward. Study design: Rectal swabs were obtained from mothers prenatally and from their newborns postnatally, and analyzed for ESBL-producing E. coli. The isolates were then whole-genome sequenced. Results: Maternal and neonatal colonization by extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli in a Chinese obstetric ward was 18% (31/177) and 5% (9/170), respectively. Fecal ESBL-producing isolates exhibited a significantly lower frequency of virulence factors compared to invasive E. coli. Conclusion: Providing balanced information on screening results is essential, along with conducting a risk assessment for antibiotic treatment strategies.