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1- Department of Microbiology, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran
2- Department of Microbiology, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran ,reza.shapouri@iau.ac.ir
3- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
4- Infectious Disease Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
2- Department of Microbiology, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran ,
3- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
4- Infectious Disease Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
Abstract: (8 Views)
Background and Objective: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains are the primary causative agents of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Molecular characterization of UPEC strains plays a crucial role in infection management, as molecular determinants contribute to antibiotic resistance (AR). This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance profiles, prevalence of ESBL, integron, and pathogenicity island markers, and the genetic relatedness of UPEC isolates using PFGE.
Methods: Urine samples were collected from catheterized ICU patients. UPEC isolates were identified by standard biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the disk diffusion method. Resistance markers (ESBLs, integrons, PAIs) were detected by PCR, and genetic clustering was performed using PFGE with XbaI restriction enzyme.
Results: Of the 50 UPEC isolates, the highest resistance rates were observed against piperacillin (80%), ampicillin (76%), and cotrimoxazole (68%), while imipenem (94%) and amikacin (86%) showed the highest susceptibility. MDR and XDR phenotypes were detected in 62% and 22% of isolates, espectively. PFGE analysis revealed 38 distinct pulsotypes, indicating substantial genetic diversity. Among resistance markers, the most prevalent were PAI-IV536 (80%), PAI-IICFT073 (70%), and Int1 (66%), whereas Int3 was absent in all isolates."
Conclusion: The UPEC population studied exhibits high genetic diversity and a notable burden of multidrug resistance. The strong association between integrons (particularly Int1) and resistance phenotypes suggests that horizontal gene transfer is a major driver of antimicrobial resistance dissemination. Continuous molecular surveillance is critical to prevent the spread of these resistant clones in healthcare settings.
Methods: Urine samples were collected from catheterized ICU patients. UPEC isolates were identified by standard biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the disk diffusion method. Resistance markers (ESBLs, integrons, PAIs) were detected by PCR, and genetic clustering was performed using PFGE with XbaI restriction enzyme.
Results: Of the 50 UPEC isolates, the highest resistance rates were observed against piperacillin (80%), ampicillin (76%), and cotrimoxazole (68%), while imipenem (94%) and amikacin (86%) showed the highest susceptibility. MDR and XDR phenotypes were detected in 62% and 22% of isolates, espectively. PFGE analysis revealed 38 distinct pulsotypes, indicating substantial genetic diversity. Among resistance markers, the most prevalent were PAI-IV536 (80%), PAI-IICFT073 (70%), and Int1 (66%), whereas Int3 was absent in all isolates."
Conclusion: The UPEC population studied exhibits high genetic diversity and a notable burden of multidrug resistance. The strong association between integrons (particularly Int1) and resistance phenotypes suggests that horizontal gene transfer is a major driver of antimicrobial resistance dissemination. Continuous molecular surveillance is critical to prevent the spread of these resistant clones in healthcare settings.
Keywords: Molecular Epidemiology, Uropathogenic Escherichia coli, Antibiotics Resistance, Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis
Type of Study: Original Research Article |
Subject:
Epidemiologic Studies
Received: 2026/06/13 | Accepted: 2026/08/16
Received: 2026/06/13 | Accepted: 2026/08/16
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