Phylogenetic Groups and Antibiotic Resistance Characteristics of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Background:Different phylogenetic groups of uropathogenic Escherichia coli are associated with increased virulence and multidrug resistance, highlighting the importance of understanding the genetic characteristics of these isolates for effective treatment and prevention of UTIs. Genomic analysis was conducted on 100 Escherichia coli isolates obtained from multiple hospitals in Baghdad, Iraq, which showed extensive resistance to multiple drugs, including both multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extensively-drug resistant (XDR) isolates. Methodology: Antibiotic susceptibility was evaluated using the disc diffusion technique. PCR was used to test for the presence of phylogenetic groupings and to characterise antibiotic resistance genes. Results: Phylogroup F (36.66%) and Phylogroup C (23.33%) were the most common. Isolates of UPEC were found in every phylogroup, except for the six that were untypable. The study identified 54 out of 70 typed Escherichia coli isolates that belonged to phylogroups F (33/70) and C (21/70) as multidrug-resistant, with a high percentage (70.76%) of these isolates demonstrating extensive drug resistance (XDR). Based on the presence of particular genes or DNA, E. coli populations are classified into eight basic phylogenetic groups: A, B1, B2, C, D, E, F (belonging to E. coli sensu stricto), and clade I (belonging to Escherichia clade). Conclusion: Based on our findings, certain types of E. coli belonging to the phylogenetic group F are more common, more dangerous, and more resistant to antibiotics than others when it comes to UTIs.