Evaluation of the Virulence Genes in Quinolone and Fluoroquinolones- resistant Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Isolates

Background and Aim: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the most prevalent causative agent of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in both community and hospital settings. Annually about ۱۵۰ million people globally develop UTIs, resulting in increased healthcare costs. The current study examined the identification and the frequency distribution of virulence factors among fluoroquinolones-resistant (FQs-R) and fluoroquinolones-susceptible (FQs-S) UPEC strains in Hamadan hospitals, west of Iran. Materials and Methods: One hundred-seventy urine samples were collected consecutively from inpatients at three hospitals in Hamadan from March to September ۲۰۱۸. The UPEC isolates were identified using biochemical tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The disk diffusion and the broth microdilution methods determined the antimicrobial susceptibility and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Ciprofloxacin. The multiplex-PCR method investigated the prevalence of pap, aer, and hly genes. Results: Among ۱۷۰ urine samples collected from inpatients, E. coli was the most common isolate, with a frequency of ۱۲۵ (۷۳.۵%). Resistance to Nalidixic acid and fluoroquinolones, including Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, and Ofloxacin, was detected in ۸۸.۸%, ۷۱.۲%, ۷۰.۴%, and ۶۸.۸% of UPEC isolates, respectively. The prevalence of hly and pap genes in FQs-R strains was significantly lower than in FQs-S strains. Conclusion: The high-level antibiotic resistance to quinolones & fluoroquinolones and heterogeneity of virulence genes among clinical UPEC isolates need strong attention.

Keywords:

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli , Virulence Factors , Quinolone-Resistant , Fluoroquinolone-Resistant , اشرشیاکلی اروپاتوژنیک , فاکتورهای ویرولانس , مقاوم به کینولون , مقاوم به فلوروکینولون