Context: Escherichia coli is a major cause of bloodstream infections and death due to sepsis. Bacteremic isolates harbor a significantly greater repertoire of virulence factors (VFs) in contrast with commensal E. coli isolates. Aims: The aim was to determine the relationships between E. coli VFs, phylogenetic groups, and their clinical importance. Settings and Design: This descriptive study was carried out in a multi-specialty tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods: Escherichia coli isolates from consecutive episodes of bacteremia in 100 patients were screened for their VFs, phylogenetic group, and their effect on patient’s clinical outcome. Virulence genes of all isolates were determined by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Phylogenetic analysis was performed by triplex PCR methods. Estimation of risk of death was calculated using APACHE score II calculator. Results: Of…