Host-Specific Adaptive Diversification of Crohn`s Disease-Associated Adherent-Invasive Escherichia coli (Cell Host & Microbe)

Crohn`s disease is associated with adherent-invasive E. coli (AIEC), but the factors promoting AIEC colonization are unclear. Elhenawy et al. show that murine host-to-host transmission selects for adaptive diversification of AIEC, with enhanced bacterial motility and acetate metabolism. E. coli isolates from Crohn`s disease patients similarly exhibit these adaptive features.