Molecular identification and detection of some virulence and antibiotic genes in Pantoea spp. isolated from clinical samples

Introduction and Aim: Pantoea species, are Gram negative bacteria that belong to the family Erwiniaceae. These bacteria are opportunistic pathogens known to cause several clinical infections in humans. The purpose of current research was to study the prevalence and identification of Pantoea spp. based on 16S rRNA sequencing, as well as detect the presence of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes in samples isolated from clinical cases.   Materials and Methods: For the identification of Pantoea spp., DNA extracted from isolates were subjected to 16s rRNA amplification by PCR. Pantoea isolates were assessed for the presence of virulence (EsaI and ompA), and antibiotic (bacA, oqxB, qnrA, and ermB) genes using specific primers.   Results: Three new strains were recorded based on results of 16S rRNA sequencing. The virulence gene Esal was prevalent in all isolates (100%) tested while 15/16 (94%) of isolates had ompA genes. The antibiotic-resistant gene oqxB was found in all isolates (100%), followed by bacA (87.5%), qnrA (75%), and ermB (37%) genes.   Conclusion: Pantoea spp isolated from clinical samples were seen to harbor virulence as well as antimicrobial genes indicating the isolates to be pathogenic.