Identification of a Differential Microbiological Signature of Extended‐Spectrum ß‐Lactamases Producing <i>Escherichia</i> Carriers in Spanish Community Children

Gut colonization by Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E), is increasing among nonhospitalized children, but the impact of ESBL-E carriage on the intestinal microbiota remains unknown. In this study, we compared the fecal bacterial composition in 24 children (3-11 years old) that were carriers of Escherichia producing ESBL (ESBL-Es) to that of an age- and gender-matched group of non-carriers using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Alpha diversity of the community was similar in both groups. No significant differences in relative abundance at the phylum, class, and order levels were found. Significant differences at the genus and species level were identified. The genus Blautia and the species Blautia obeum were more abundant in non-carriers, whereas the genus Coprococcus and Coprococcus eutactus species were more abundant in carriers. Generalized linear models, confirmed these differences and identified additional ones at the family (Tannerellaceae is more abundant in carries), genus (Parabacteroides is more abundant in carriers), and species (Bifidobacterium longum and Ruminococcus gauvreauii are more abundant in non-carriers, and Parabacteroides distasonis in carriers) levels. However, statistical significance was lost in all cases after applying multiple testing correction. Altogether, this study uncovers a differential microbiological signature between pediatric ESBL-Es carriers and non-carriers, despite an overall similar diversity and composition of their gut microbiota. Further studies are required to explore if these differences predispose to, or are a consequence of ESBL-Es carriage, and if modulation of the gut microbiota community may help to prevent or eliminate ESBL-Es colonization.