This two-half-day training course introduces participants to participants to the major pathotypes of the diverse pathogenic E. coli, and to the genetic virulence factors that characterise them.

The course includes an exercise to reinforce practical understanding.

 Dates: 3 and 10 March 2026. 

 Duration: Two half-days 09:00-12:30 CET. 

Location: Online - Find the link after enrolment. 

Audience: Microbiologists, clinicians, and epidemiologists with basic bioinformatics skills

Objectives:  

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the biological diversity within the E. coli pathotypes and the significance for their virulence.
2. Perform quality control and assembly of whole‑genome sequencing (WGS) data.
3. Analyse and interpret the different sub-typing methods, including MLST, cgMLST, and serotyping of E. coli.
4. Perform virulence profiling and typing using simple bioinformatics tools and determine/suggest the resulting pathotype by employing various virulence gene databases.
5. Identify real-life challenges in tracing emerging clones of pathogenic E. coli.

Participation: This course is open for public enrolment. It's made available for free, thanks to EU funding.