First detection of VEB-1 extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing <i>Escherichia coli</i> clinical isolate in Japan

ESBLs are plasmid-mediated enzymes that confer resistance to clinically significant antimicrobial agents, such as broad-spectrum cephalosporins. Recently, the rapid spread of CTX-M-type ESBL-producing <i>E. coli</i> has become a global issue, including in Japan, where ESBL production in human pathogenic <i>E. coli</i>, such as the ExPEC and UPEC lineages, which typically harbor several virulence genes, is a severe public health concern. To date, VEB (Vietnamese extended-spectrum β-lactamase) producers have been found only in hospital wastewater and rivers in Japan. Thus, we describe the first detection of a very rare human-derived blaVEB-1 gene in the <i>E. coli</i> B2-ST95 pandemic clonal lineage that is highly associated with ExPEC and UPEC in a Japanese clinical setting. Furthermore, we characterized the genomic features of plasmids harboring the class 1 integron-borne blaVEB-1. Our findings highlight the significance of closely monitoring ESBL-producing <i>E. coli</i> isolates to prevent the potential dissemination of this resistance determinant in Japan.