Colonic adenoma-associated Escherichia coli express specific phenotypes
Specific Escherichia coli strains have been associated to colorectal cancer, while no data are available on genotypic and phenotypic features of E. coli colonizing premalignant adenomatous polyps and their pathogenic potential. This study was aimed at characterizing isolates collected from polyps and adjacent tissue in comparison with those from normal mucosa. From colonoscopy biopsies, 1500 E. coli isolates were retrieved and genotyped; 272 were characterized for phylogroup and major phenotypic traits (i.e., biofilm formation, motility, hemolysins, and proteases).