The ability of microbes to resist or neutralize the action of drugs that have been used against microbes is considered as antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR among different strains of Escherichia coli is considered as a major threat to public health. Drug-resistant in E. coli is found predominantly in the hospital sittings, in the community, and surrounding environment. It has adopted different defensive strategies to minimize the effects of drugs. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), fluoroquinolones, and carbapenemases have been considered as strong resistance strategies being present in most of resistant bacterial strains. Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) have the major contribution in the transfer of resistance genes in between or among bacterial cells. Plasmids are normally present in most of resistant strains, helping in the transfer of genetic material between bacterial cells. Transposons another MGEs, are being considered as one of the major sources of resistance transmission. Collectively, MGEs play an important role in facilitating in exchange, acquisition, and dissemination of resistance genes. Resistance in E. coli has been reported worldwide and there is variation in its resistance pattern. CTX-M ESBLs, carbapenems, colistin-resistant, and ST-131 E. coli resistant clones are considered the most dominant phenotypes. The aforesaid resistant variants are predominantly found in densely populated regions, Sub-Saharan Africa, China, and South Asian countries.
Part of the book: Escherichia coli