Study Of Some Virulence Genes Of Escherichia Coli Isolated From Urinary Tract Infection Patients And Their Relationship To Biofilm Production

Abstract

Background: Urinary system Infection (UTI) can be caused by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains that encode surface and secretory virulence factors. These strains can colonize the host urinary system and facilitate bacterial development. Aim: The current study was aimed to detection of some virulence genes of Escherichia coli isolated from urinary tract infection patients and their relationship to biofilm production. Materials & methods: 117 Clinical samples were collected from Kirkuk Hospital in Kirkuk city for the period from October 2023 to February 2024. Based on the culturing and biochemical features of E. coli colonies developing on blood agar, MacConkey agar and Eosin-methylene blue (EMB), the colonies were diagnosed after incubation for 24 hours at 37 ⁰C. Diagnosis were confirmed by Vitek 2 system. Results: Forty two (35.9%) of all specimens showed positive results for the growth of E. coli. Of the total samples, 75 (64.1%) showed negative results for the growth of E. coli. The results of the current study show that the E. coli showed total resistance (100%) to Ampicillin. while Tobromycin showed high sensitive 100%. While different degrees of sensitivity were found towards the rest of the study antibiotics. The percentage of E. coli for biofilm production. Whereas, 18(42.9%) E. coli isolated was strong biofilm production, 11(26.2%) E. coli isolated was moderate biofilm production, and 8(19.0%) E. coli isolated was weak biofilm production. In the current study, 37(88.1%), 20(47.6%) E. coli isolates possessed FimH and Cnf1 genes, respectively, as virulence factor. Conclusions: In the present study the prevalence of FimH and Cnf1 genes in UPEC were determined and the results showed that among biofilm producers, FimH was the most prevalent Urovirulence gene followed by Cnf1.