Genome sequences of a stress resistant outbreak-associated Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain and a variant with enhanced congo red-binding capability

Authors: Chen, Chinyi; Kanrar, Siddhartha; Paoli, George

Submitted to: Microbiology Resource Announcements
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/6/2022
Publication Date: 12/21/2022
Citation: Chen, C., Kanrar, S., Paoli, G. 2022. Genome sequences of a stress resistant outbreak-associated Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain and a variant with enhanced congo red-binding capability. Microbiology Resource Announcements. 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.00974-22.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.00974-22

Interpretive Summary: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are important foodborne pathogens causing an estimated over 175,000 illnesses, 2,300 hospitalizations, and 20 deaths in the US each year. STEC serotype O157:H7 is the most common type of STEC and this type alone leads to an estimated $650 million dollars in economic losses annually. Here we report the whole genome sequences of STEC O157:H7 strain 380-94 which caused an outbreak of foodborne illness related to the consumption of dry-cured salami. This strain shows a higher tolerance than other STEC O157:H7 strains to food-related processing and preservation methods such as temperature, acid, and drying. Comparison of the strain 380-94 genome to other STEC O157:H7 genomes, including strain RV06, a variant of 380-94 also reported in this study, will reveal valuable information about STEC O157:H7 survival and persistence under food-related stresses.

Technical Abstract: Genome sequences of Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain 380-94 isolated from a 1994 dry-cured salami outbreak and a stronger Congo red-binding variant RV06 were determined using long-read sequencing technology and de novo assembly. Both strains possessed one chromosome and one plasmid. Strain RV06 possessed a 4769-bp deletion in the rcs region.