Abstract

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a zoonotic diarrheagenic pathogen that can cause illness in humans and animals, and its circulating strains in the animal-human-environment interface exhibit great variability, where diverse animal species, mainly ruminants, play a fundamental role as reservoirs. Despite this impact, little is known in Latin America about the characteristics of the STEC strains circulating in animals. On the other hand, avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) is an extraintestinal E. coliAPEC has been traditionally considered as a secondary and opportunistic pathogen; however, some strains can act as primary disease agents and even with zoonotic potential. Considering the relevance of STEC and APEC for animal production and public health, we present here updated information on prevalence, genomic characteristics, and surveillance strategies in Latin American countries to provide state-of-the-art information to improve the understanding of these pathogens under the One Health concept and thus contribute to their prevention and control.