Molecular identification and characterization and phylogenetic study in Escherichia coli in Baghdad province

Abstract

The study involved a total of 112 Escherichia coli isolates that were obtained from diverse origins. It took place within the jurisdiction of Baghdad Province. The isolates were classified into distinct phylogenetic groups using Quadruplex Clermont's innovative methodology. Phylogenetic typing was determined using the multiplex PCR technique. The findings of the present investigation reveal that the phylogenetic group B2 exhibited the highest prevalence rate (34.8%), followed by phylogenetic groups C (21.4%), D (16.9%), and A (10.7%). The remaining groups, namely B1 (5.3%), E (4.4%), F (2.6%), and unknown (3.5%), exhibited comparatively lower prevalence rates. Furthermore, the present study has identified a significant correlation between cephalosporins and phylogenetic groupings of E. coli. The cephalosporin groups were found to be associated with a significant proportion of antibiotic resistance patterns, whereas the carbapenem groups exhibited the lowest association. The biofilm formation was detected in 78.5% (88/112) of the isolates, and 95.5% (107/112) of the strains exhibited multiresistance. The group B2 exhibited the highest prevalence of antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation, with a percentage of 33.6% (36/107) and 35% (31/88).