Abstract
Aim: Urinary tract infections are a common occurrence worldwide, with females being more susceptible than males. Infections can manifest as asymptomatic bacteriuria or more severe forms such as sepsis. This study aims to analyse the plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes of Escherichia coli (E. coli) responsible for causing urinary tract infections.
Material and Method: Microbiological evaluation was conducted using conventional culture method, API 20E (API-bioMérieux, France), antibiotic susceptibility tests, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Results: During the study period, 145 E. coli strains were collected from 96 (66.2%) outpatients and 49 (33.8%) hospitalised patients with urinary tract infections (UTI). The resistance rates of E. coli strains to quinolone antibiotics were as follows: nalidixic acid in 102 strains (70.3%), ciprofloxacin in 96 strains (66.2%), ofloxacin in 73 strains (50.3%), gatifloxacin in 47 strains (32.4%), levofloxacin in 41 strains (28.3%) and moxifloxacin in 32 (22%) strains. Based on the PCR test results, it was found that 80% (116) of the isolates carried at least one PMQR gene. Furthermore, 31.9% (37/116) of the isolates were found to carry two or three PMQR markers simultaneously.
Discussion and Conclusion: The objective of this study was to establish the prevalence of quinolone resistance among E. coli strains isolated from patients with UTI. To control the high rate of spread of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, it is crucial for all healthcare facilities to implement more careful management of antibiotic use and adhere to procedures set by infection control programmes.
Keywords
- E. coli
- PMQR
- Urinary tract infections