Molecular detection of Aeromonas and its virulence genes in hospitalized children with diarrhea in northwest of Iran

Abstract

BackgroundAeromonas spp. are known as causative agents of intestinal disease in humans importantly in diarrhea children. Although Aeromonas produced a wide range of virulence factors, their association with diarrhea has not been clearly linked. This study was aimed to define the prevalence of Aeromonas infections in hospitalized diarrheal children, its virulence genes (alt,ast,aerA, and hlyA), and antibiotic resistance susceptibility in children with diarrhea in Zanjan and Qazvin provinces in the northwest of Iran, between March 2020 to June 2021. MethodWe examined 900 stool samples (400 and 500 samples related to Zanjan and Qazvin cities respectively) from hospitalized children with diarrhea. Aeromonas species were recognized by biochemical tests, following approved to species level using multiplex-PCR. Virulence genes (alt, ast and aerA) and (hlyA) were identified using multiplex-PCR and PCR method respectively. Antibiotics susceptibility testing was conducted according to Kirby-Bauer method. ResultsIn total, 5 isolates (0.5%) were recognized as Aeromonas. Of these isolates, 3 Aeromonas caviae (0.3%), and 2 A. hydrophila (0.2%) were recognized. The widest rate of antimicrobial resistance was observed against Amoxicillin (100%) and Cephalothin (80%). Although A. hydrophila was also quite sensitive (100%) to Amikacin and Chloramphenicol, 66.7% and 33.3% of A. caviae also showed intermediate resistance to Amikacin and Chloramphenicol respectively. All species were completely susceptible (100%) to Cefepime, Gentamicin, Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, and Meropenem. Results included 100% ast, 80% alt, 40% hlyA, and 20% aerA genes. ConclusionAccording to this survey, Although Aeromonas is not extremely prevalent in hospitalized children with diarrhea, on account of the high rate of cytotonic toxins identified in this study give a clue that Aeromonas should be considered as a pathogen, and laboratories should be having a look at the possible existence of Aeromonas in children with diarrhea.