Objective To analyze the drug resistance and related clinical characteristics of Escherichia coli in patients with acute cholangitis,and provide reference for the initial selection of antimicrobial programs.Methods The pathogen culture results and clinical data of bile samples from 305 patients with acute cholangitis in the Department of hepatobiliary Surgery of Haining People's Hospital hospital during 2019-2022 were collected,and the drug resistance and related clinical characteristics of Escherichia coli were analyzed.Results A total of 64 Escherichia coli strains(21.12%,64/303)were isolated from 305 patients,among which ESBLS-producing Escherichia coli accounted for 42.19%(27/64).Escherichia coli had the best sensitivity to tigecycline and amikacin.The resistance rate to common antibiotics(except piperacillin,tazobactam and cefoperazone and sulbactam)was higher,especially in ESBLS producing strains(P<0.05).Previous biliary operation history and cirrhosis were the independent risk factors for Escherichia coli infection(P<0.05).Esbls-producing Escherichia coli was more easily detected in bile samples of patients with a history of biliary surgery(P<0.05).Conclusion Escherichia coli is the main pathogen of acute cholangitis,and its drug resistance rate is high,especially for ESBLs producers.Acute cholangitis caused by Escherichia coli is associated with previous biliary surgery and cirrhosis,and Esbls-producing Escherichia coli is more easily detected in bile samples of patients with acute cholangitis with previous biliary surgery.This information is helpful for the selection of initial antimicrobials in patients with acute cholangitis.