Prevalence and molecular characterization of extended spectrum beta-Lactamases-producing uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolated in Zakho, Iraq

Abstract

Objectives: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli are the most important group of microorganisms responsible for urinary tract infection. A high percentage of uropathogenic E. coli over the world are detected to be ESBLs producers, which is now a problem that limits therapeutic options. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of ESBLs E. coli and study the prevalence of different ESBLs genotype patterns among the ESBLs producing isolates.Methods: One hundred and six uropathogenic E. coli isolates were analyzed for their ESBL production by molecular methods.Results: 55 (52%) isolates were detected as extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) producers. Based on the PCR results, all E. coli isolates possessed one or more ESBL gene. CTX-M type ESBL was the most dominant ESBL (87.2%) among the isolates. While those for TEM-type and SHV-type were 54.5% and 21.8% respectively. Six genotype patterns were detected (TEM, CTX-M, TEM+SHV, TEM+CTX-M, SHV+CTX-M and TEM+SHV+CTX-M). The genotype CTX-M was the most prevalent genotype (40%) followed by the genotype TEM+CTX-M combination (30.9%). The occurrences of the genotypes (TEM, TEM+SHV, SHV+CTX-M and TEM+SHV+CTX-M) were 7.3%, 5.5%, 5.4%, 10.9%, respectively.Conclusions: Control measures and education programs are necessary to avoid the uncontrollable use of β-lactam and cephalosporins in order to minimize the emergence of ESBLs producing E. coli. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2016;6(4): 163-167