Low intestinal colonization of Escherichia coli clone ST131 producing CTX-M-15 in Jordanian infants

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common bacterium found in the gut.
• Multidrug resistance (MDR) and the production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are growing global health concerns.
• The E. coli ST131 clone is recognized as a highly virulent and globally disseminated lineage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of multidrug-resistant E. coli, specifically the ST131 clone and blaCTX-M-15 producers, in the intestinal tracts of infants in Jordan.
• To characterize the antimicrobial resistance patterns and genetic markers of isolated E. coli strains.

Main Methods:

• Faecal samples were collected from infants over a 3-year period (2012-2014).
• E. coli isolates were identified and cultured.
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disc diffusion method.
• ESBL production was assessed, and specific genes like blaCTX-M-15, pabB, and trpA were identified.
• The ST131/O25b clone was detected using specific genetic markers and confirmed by sequencing.

Main Results:

• Out of 338 E. coli isolates from infants, 42% were multidrug-resistant (MDR).
• A high proportion (88%) of MDR isolates were ESBL producers, with blaCTX-M-15 being the predominant type (64%).
• The virulent E. coli ST131 clone was detected in 2.6% of isolates, all associated with plasmids and confirmed by pabB and trpA gene sequencing.

Conclusions:

• The study found a low prevalence of the highly virulent E. coli ST131 clone producing blaCTX-M-15 in the intestines of Jordanian infants.
• Despite the low prevalence of ST131, the high rates of MDR and ESBL production highlight the need for continued surveillance of antibiotic resistance in this population.
• These findings contribute to understanding the epidemiology of E. coli resistance in infants in the region.