Diversity and distribution of Escherichia coli genotypes and antibiotic resistance phenotypes in feces of humans, cattle, and horses

The diversity and stability of Escherichia coli populations within the feces of individuals belonging to three mammalian host groups (humans, horses, and beef cattle) are investigated. The high genetic diversity of Escherichia coli populations, variations in diversity among hosts, and temporal variability all indicate complex population dynamics that impact the usefulness of Escherichia coli as a water indicator and its use in microbial source tracking studies.