Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic tools powered by machine learning to identify antibiotic-resistant genes and virulence factors in Escherichia coli from sepsis

Extended-spectrum <i>β</i>-lactamase-producing <i>Escherichia coli</i> poses a global public health threat. Here, we performed a hospital-based study that reinforced the necessity for rapid antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence gene mapping of clinical <i>E. coli</i> isolates. Whole-genome sequencing of 18 sepsis-causing <i>E. coli</i> strains was performed to identify multidrug resistance (MDR) and virulence factor genes and to correlate these with antibiotic use in patients with sepsis. We identified various global and emerging MDR sequence types, utilizing a supervised machine learning approach to elucidate the relationship between genome content and AMR profiles across 17 antimicrobial classes, ensuring unbiased analysis. Known AMR genes were correlated with resistance phenotypes, and several crucial and novel AMR genes were identified. The feature selection methodology involved processing the genome into overlapping 13 bp k-mer features using a two-step selection process. Logistic regression with nested cross-validation and synthetic minority oversampling technique confirmed the robustness of the model. The combination of Machine Learning (ML) algorithms facilitates the discovery of nonlinear interactions and complex patterns within genomic data, which may not be readily apparent using conventional genomic analysis alone. This will enable the identification of novel biomarkers and genetic determinants of AMR profiles. The integration of genomic data with ML models can be used to quickly predict AMR, allowing for more targeted and personalized treatment strategies that are not typically achieved by traditional AMR surveillance methods. Our findings tailor the research approaches for patients with sepsis, particularly with AMR <i>E. coli</i>, highlighting the importance of prompt surveillance, robust infection control, optimized antibiotic stewardship and integrated genomic and epidemiological analysis to control MDR bacteria transmission, ultimately improving patient outcomes and safeguarding public health.