Phenotypic Detection of Escherichia coli Isolated from Urinary Tract Infections for Cats in Babylon Provence

Abstract

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a very common Health problem in cats, The present study aimed to isolate and diagnose Escherichia coli causing UTIs cats in Babylon province. A total of 100 urine samples suspected of having UTIs from the age group of (2 months to 3 years) were collected from different veterinary clinics in Babylon province. 50 isolated to Escherichia coli were obtained in Babylon during the period from September 2023 to April 2024. The initial diagnosis of E. coli isolates was made using culture media (MacConkey agar, methylene blue eosin and blood agar). Biochemical tests and Vitek 2 device were used to confirm the final diagnosis of the isolates. The highest number of bacterial isolates was found in female cats, more infected than male cats, The sensitivity test was performed using the Vitek device, and the resistance was as follows: ampicillin (100%), cefazolin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (70%), piperacillin, cefoxitin, ceftriaxone, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin (30%). The results of the study also showed absolute resistance to E. coli (ampicillin (100%) was the most resistant in cats as well as non-isolated resistance to piperacillin, ceftazidime, cefepime, amikacin, gentamicin, nitrofurantoin, and tigecycline. The ability to produce biofilm was revealed by two methods, the first is the standard plate method (MTB) and the second is the Congo red medium. the first method shown the Cat isolates (5 isolates were medium, 3 isolates were weak, and 2 isolates had no growth), As for the second method, all isolates appeared positive.