Characterization of integrons, extended spectrum beta lactamases and  genetic diversity among uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates from Kerman, south east of Iran

Samane Mohebi; Zahra  Golestani-Hotkani; Maryam Foulad-Pour; Peivand  Nazeri; Fahimeh Mohseni; Zahra Hashemizadeh; Zahra Moghani-Bashi; Naser Niksefat; Sanaz Rastegar; Maryam Khajedadian; Zahra Lotfian; Hossein  Hosseini-Nave

doi:10.18502/ijm.v15i5.13867

Samane Mohebi Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Zahra Golestani-Hotkani Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
Maryam Foulad-Pour Clinical Research Development Unit, Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Peivand Nazeri Clinical Research Development Unit, Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Fahimeh Mohseni Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Zahra Hashemizadeh Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Zahra Moghani-Bashi Clinical Research Development Unit, Shahid Bahonar Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Naser Niksefat Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Sanaz Rastegar Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Maryam Khajedadian Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Zahra Lotfian Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Hossein Hosseini-Nave Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijm.v15i5.13867

Keywords: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli; Drug resistance; Integrons; Extended spectrum beta-lactamase; Tandem repeat sequences

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the distribution of genes encoding integrons, extended spec- trum beta-lactamase (ESBL) in E. coli isolated from UTIs, as well as the genetic diversity among the isolates.

Materials and Methods: E. coli isolates were recovered from the patients with UTI in Kerman Iran. Antibiotic susceptibility was done according to CLSI guidelines. The presence of ESBL genes and integrons was evaluated using PCR. PCR and sequencing were applied for the evaluation of cassette content of integrons. Genotyping of the isolates was performed by multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA).

Results: Imipenem was the most effective antibiotic, while the highest resistance was observed to streptomycin. In total 40.2% of isolates were ESBL producers. Of 69 integron-positive isolates, 59 only had class I integrons, 4 only had class II integrons and 6 had both types. The most common gene cassette found within class I integrons was dfrA17-aadA5 (n=27). The E. coli isolates were divided into 16 MLVA clusters.

Conclusion: The current study demonstrated the simultaneous presence of class I integrons and ESBLs involved in the resistance of UPEC isolates to antibacterial agents. Our finding also revealed that the E. coli isolates belonged to diverse clones.