ESBL-Escherichia coli extracellular vesicles mediate bacterial resistance to β-lactam and mediate horizontal transfer of blaCTX-M-55

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have become the focus of research as an emerging method of horizontal gene transfer. In recent years, studies on the association between EVs and the spread of bacterial resistance have emerged, but there is a lack of research on the role of EVs secreted by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli in the spread of β-lactam resistance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of EVs in the transmission of β-lactam resistance.