Genomic characterization of Escherichia coli isolates from alpaca crias (Vicugna pacos) in the peruvian highlands: insights into functional diversity and pathogenicity

• Autores: Zapata, Celso, Rodriguez Perez, Lila Maciel, Romero Avila, Yolanda Madedein, Coila, Pedro, Hañari Quispe, Renán Dilton, Oros, Oscar, Zanabria, Víctor, Quilcate Pairazaman, Carlos Enrique, Rojas Cruz, Diórman, Cruz Luis, Juancarlos Alejandro, Ortiz Morera, Narda Cecilia, Estrada Cañari, Richard
• Formato: artículo
• Fecha de Publicación: 2025
• Institución: Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria
• Repositorio: INIA-Institucional
• Lenguaje: inglés
• OAI Identifier: oai:repositorio.inia.gob.pe:20.500.12955/2823
• Enlace del recurso: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12955/2823; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13071533
• Nivel de acceso: acceso abierto
• Materia: E. coli genetic diversity; antibiotic resistance in alpacas; virulence factors in alpaca pathogens; Diversidad genética de E. coli; resistencia a antibióticos en alpacas; factores de virulencia en patógenos de alpacas; https://purl.org/pe-repo/ocde/ford#4.02.02; genómica, genomics, pathogenicity; patogenicidad

Diarrhea in alpaca crias significantly impacts livestock health in high-altitude regions, with Escherichia coli as a common pathogen. This study analyzed 10 E. coli isolates from diarrheic and healthy alpacas using whole-genome sequencing to assess genetic diversity, virulence factors, and antibiotic resistance. Predominant sequence types (ST73, ST29), serotypes (O22:H1, O109:H11), and phylogroups (B2, B1, A) were identified. Virulence profiling revealed ExPEC-like and EPEC pathotypes, while resistance genes for β-lactams (blaEC-15), fosfomycin (glpT_E448K), and colistin (pmrB) were prevalent. These findings highlight the need for genomic surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship to manage E. coli infections in alpacas and reduce public health risks.