Serine Protease Autotransporters Genes Distribution and their Association with Multiple Antibiotic Resistance of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Abstract

Background. One of the characteristic features of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is their secretion of serine protease autotransporters of Enterobacteriaceae (SPATEs). Aim. To investigate the prevalence of serine protease autotransporter genes in E. coli and their correlation with antibiotic susceptibility patterns. Methods. A total of 500 urine specimens were collected from patients with UTIs to isolate UPEC. An antibiotic sensitivity test was performed using the Kirby-Bauer technique and molecular detection of virulence genes was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results. 100 E. coli isolates were obtained. The results of the antibiotic sensitivity assessment showed that piperacillin (80%); and ampicillin (92%) have the highest resistance rate while meropenem (1%); amikacin (2%); nitrofurantoin (2%); and fosfomycin (5%) have the lowest resistance rate. The prevalence of serine protease autotransporters genes was vat 58.3%, sat 36.6%, pic 30% , tagB and tagC 18.3%. Conclusion. At least one serine protease autotransporter gene was identified in 68.3% of E. coli isolates. There was also a significant correlation between resistance to some antibiotics and the presence of virulence genes in the UPEC isolates.