Whole -genome sequencing (WGS) analysis of faecal extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-Ec) shared by French recruits serving overseas

Material/methods: We prospectively studied volunteering French military personals who were assigned in group missions out of metropolitan France, respectively in Afghanistan (Af), French Guyana (FG) and Ivory Coast (IC) for 4 to 6 months. Volunteers were asked to provide a faecal sample within 10 days before departure and another one within 2 days after return. Samples were screened for ESBL-Ec and isolates from each group were characterized first by REPPCR fingerprinting and then by WGS if similarity was ≥ 97%.