Tackling the threat of drug-resistant E. coli in China

A comprehensive seven-year study across 20 Chinese provinces has revealed a concerning rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (E. coli), a major foodborne pathogen. Analyzing 9,068 isolates from sporadic human diarrhea cases, the research paints a troubling picture: the majority of isolates are resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent, with many demonstrating multidrug resistance. These findings are critical for shaping clinical antibiotic treatment strategies and prioritizing efforts to curb the spread of resistance.