Abstract

Escherichia coli can cause serious infections in the neonates and pregnant women. Although E. coli is widely studied, E. coli lactose-negative (lac−) strains have been rarely described before. So, the aim of this study was to compare lac− and lactose-positive (lac+) E. coli strains in respect of antimicrobial susceptibility and the frequency of virulence genes (VGs). The study included 58 lac+ and 58 lac− E. coli strains isolated from pregnant women and neonates. Culture and the results of biochemical reactions were conducted for lac− and lac+ E. coli identification and differentiation. Disc diffusion test was performed to study the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates, and PCR was used to detect VGs. Resistance to at least one of the tested antibiotics was found among 14 (25.9%) E. coli lac+ and in 26 (44.9%) E. coli lac− strains. Both lac+ and lac− E. coli strains were mostly resistant to ampicillin (22.4 and 39.7%) and ticarcillin (20.7 and 39.7%). None of the tested strains produced extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). Genes fimH, fimA, iutA, sfa/foc, neuC, ibeA, and hlyF were detected, respectively, in 96.6, 82.8, 32.8, 24.1, 22.4, 12.1, and 6.9% of lac+ E. coli strains and in 94.8, 86.2, 48.3, 19.0, 8.6, 8.6, and 1.7% of lac− strains. The antimicrobial susceptibility and the pathogenic potential of both tested groups of E. coli strains are similar. Therefore, omitting E. coli lac− strains as a potential etiological agent of infections may pose a threat to the health and life of both mothers and neonates.

Highlights

  • Saprophytic Escherichia coli strains, colonizing the human alimentary tract, perform the function of commensals

  • It was indicated that E. coli strains, both lac+ and lac−, were mostly resistant to ampicillin (22.4 and 39.7%) and ticarcillin (20.7 and 39.7%)

  • A significantly higher percentage of strains resistant to these antibiotics was recorded in the group of E. coli lac− strains

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Summary

Introduction

Saprophytic Escherichia coli strains, colonizing the human alimentary tract, perform the function of commensals. Colonization of the genital tract or anus of a pregnant woman by E. coli strains may lead to infection of a neonate by ascending route. This infection happens most frequently as a result of premature rupture of membranes. Asymptomatic bacteriuria is the most often type of UTIs in pregnant women which, if not treated, in 20.0–30.0% of cases may lead to pyelonephritis It may result in premature birth and developmental retardation or fetus necrosis, as well as a fetus with low birth weight (Janicka et al 1997).

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