Comparison of virulence factors fimA, papC, and hly among uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates producing and nonproducing extended spectrum beta-lactamases

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of present study was to investigate virulence factors fimA, papC, and hly in clinical isolates of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) producing and nonproducing extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) in patients with urinary tract infection (UTI). Materials and Methods: A total of 112 Escherichia coli strains isolated from patients with UTI were collected and characterized by biochemical and bacteriological methods. The presence of beta-lactamase enzymes were determined by phenotypic combined disk test. Then, for detection of fimA, papC, and hly virulence genes polymerase chain reaction assay was performed. Moreover, data analysis was conducted by using SPSS 16.0 software. Results: From 112 E. coli strains, 90% were producing ESBLs (resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics) and 10% were none producing ESBLs enzymes by phenotypic method. Out of 32 hly positive strains 28 (87.5%) were ESBLs positive, from 103 fimA positive strains 93 (90.3%) were ESBLs producer and among 52 papC positive strains 47 (90.4%) were detected that have ESBL enzymes by molecular method. Prevalence of ESBL enzymes among fimA, papC, and hly negative strains was closely similar with positive strains and demonstrated high resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. Conclusion: The results showed the high prevalence of virulence genes hly, papC, and fimA. There is high resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics due to production of ESBLs regardless to prevalence of virulence genes in clinical strains of UPEC. Indeed, there is no significant relationship between presence of virulence gene and ESBL production. Thus, the virulence and drug resistance genes are needed to be examined as a target for therapeutic intervention.