Evolutionary Dynamics Based on Comparative Genomics of Pathogenic Escherichia coliLineages Harboring Polyketide Synthase (pks) Island

Extraintestinal pathologies caused by highly virulent strains of E. coliamount to clinical implications with high morbidity and mortality rates. Pathogenic E. colistrains are evolving with the horizontal acquisition of mobile genetic elements, including pathogenicity islands such as the pksisland, which produces the genotoxin colibactin, resulting in severe clinical outcomes, including colorectal cancer progression.