Multiplex PCR Amplification for the Detection of Biofilm and Extended-spectrum Beta-Lactamase Resistance Genes and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns in Uropathogenic E. coli.

Abstract

The issue of urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly those stemming from Escherichia coli belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family, has received considerable critical attention and is evaluated as the second most common infection in humans. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), which is virulent, produces extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), as well as being multidrug-resistant (MDR), is considered to be a common growing public health issue worldwide. This phenomenon has been demonstrated to contribute to the escalation of UTIs to more severe states, the diminution in the efficacy of first-line antibiotics, and the consequent escalation in morbidity and mortality rates. The present experiment involved the isolation of 73 Escherichia coli strains from urine specimens, and the antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was evaluated through the disc agar diffusion method. The resistance patterns exhibited by these isolates collectively constitute the underlying basis for MDR. The evaluation of three significant biofilm genes and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in these isolates was conducted using ten typical antibiotic discs. The data was processed using SPSS statistical software, version 25. The investigation revealed that 73 isolates of E. coli were examined, with the pap gene present in 89% of isolates, the fimH gene present in 86.3% of isolates, and the sfa gene present in 69.9% of isolates. Furthermore, the beta-lactamase gene bla_SHV , bla_TEM , and bla_CTX-M gene frequency was found to be 50.7%, 90.4%, and 79.5%, respectively. The results regarding antibiotic resistance patterns elucidated that a significant number of the isolates were resistant to Imipenem, Amoxicillin, and Ampicillin, respectively. This study posits that the rapid emergence of virulent ESBL-producing E. coli strains in such experiments necessitates the implementation of an antibiotic stewardship program, regional surveillance of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms and their associated virulence determinants for the purpose of rational antibiotic selection, or the development of novel UTI treatment strategies that involve the inactivation of essential virulence factors relating to UPECs.