Optimization and Screening of CITM, A1, B1 and ADK genes in uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections worldwide. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) provided a list of ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.) The bacterium, Escherichia coli, is the major cause of urinary tract infections. The present study aimed to screen and optimize housekeeping, AmpC β-lactam and some novel genes among the clinical isolates of uropathogenic Escherichia coli involved in urinary tract infections. A total of 152 UPEC isolates were scrutinized for the AmpC β-lactamase gene (CITM). In addition, two other housekeeping genes (RecA, Adk), and two uncharacterized genes (A1, B1) were also screened. The A1, B1, RecA and Adk genes were successfully detected. Overall plasmid mediated β-lactamase AmpC genes were found in 23% (34/152) of the UPEC isolates including previously detected AmpC genes in this collection of isolates. In conclusion, this study successfully identified the CITM gene and confirmed the presence of novel genes (A1, B1) that provide insight for the further characterization of these genetic factors. The MIC of fluoroquinolone antibiotic Enrofloxacin used for livestock (poultry, farms etc.) was performed which showed the high resistance against these human UTI patients isolated samples. The result of a current research study showed that 95% of isolates were resistant to this antibiotic (84% were highly resistant), and only 4% were sensitive to the antibiotic. The β-lactam positive gene samples showed 100% resistance against this fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Our finding showed that livestock antibiotics also indirectly affect humans which is an alarming situation because it is more difficult to treat infections. The use of antibiotics for livestock should be prohibited or have proper guidelines for their use. This research study showed that these UPEC strains were highly resistant to many antibiotics including livestock antibiotics. This research study proved that livestock antibiotics have a great adverse impact on humans and indirectly contribute to developing antibiotic resistance