A global perspective on the abundance, diversity and mobility of antibiotic resistance genes in Escherichia coli

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the global distribution and transmission of ARGs in <i>E. coli</i>. The high abundance of MDR and <i>β</i>-lactam-related ARGs, along with their widespread transmission across countries, highlights the urgent need for global surveillance and control measures. Furthermore, the strong association between ARGs and MGEs underscores the role of horizontal gene transfer in the spread of resistance. The observed variations in ARG diversity between countries suggest that socioeconomic factors, such as healthcare infrastructure and antibiotic usage patterns, significantly influence ARG prevalence. These findings are crucial for informing global strategies to mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance and improve public health outcomes.