Molecular characterization of extended spectrum β -lactamases enterobacteriaceae causing lower urinary tract

Nahla O Eltai1, Asmaa A Al Thani1,2, Khalid Al-Ansari3

  • 11Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.

Insights

Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBL) are a growing problem in pediatric urinary tract infections (UTIs) in Qatar. This study highlights the urgent need for control measures due to widespread resistance, impacting common antibiotic choices.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Beta-lactam antibiotics are standard for Enterobacteriaceae infections but are failing due to emerging beta-lactamase enzymes.
  • Data on pediatric urinary tract infection (UTI) etiology and antimicrobial resistance in Qatar is lacking.
  • This study addresses the need to understand antimicrobial resistance in pediatric UTIs in Qatar.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the phenotypic and genotypic profiles of antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in children with UTIs in Qatar.
  • To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae in pediatric UTIs.
  • To provide data on antimicrobial resistance patterns to guide clinical practice in Qatar.

Main Methods:

  • Isolated bacteria from 727 pediatric UTI urine cultures (February-June 2017).
  • Antibiotic susceptibility testing against 16 antibiotics using Phoenix and Double Disc Synergy Test (DDST) for ESBL confirmation.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) used to identify ESBL resistance genes.

Main Results:

  • 31.7% of isolates were ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae, with E. coli (83%) and K. pneumoniae (11%) being dominant.
  • CTX-M genes, particularly CTX-M-G1 (89.2%), were the most common resistance mechanism (59%).
  • 37% of isolates harbored multiple resistance genes; E. coli and K. pneumoniae showed distinct clonal clustering.

Conclusions:

  • An escalating problem of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in pediatric UTIs in Qatar necessitates regulatory control programs.
  • Common antibiotics like cephalosporins, gentamicin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole are compromised for pediatric UTIs in Qatar.
  • Carbapenems and amikacin remain viable therapeutic options for severe infections caused by ESBL producers in this population.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction01:26

Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) impact various parts of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. These infections are generally bacterial, with Escherichia coli being the most common causative agent, often originating from the gastrointestinal tract. However, other bacteria, such as Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis, are also known to cause UTIs. The type, location, and underlying complexity of the UTI guide both...
698
Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology01:25

Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) encompasses several progressive stages, beginning with bacterial colonization and culminating in potential systemic complications if untreated. UTIs are primarily initiated by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, which often originate from the gastrointestinal tract and migrate to the urinary system through the periurethral area. This migration can occur via several routes, including improper hygiene practices, sexual activity, or...
752
Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management01:17

Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management

In managing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in nursing, a comprehensive assessment is essential. Begin by gathering subjective data, such as the patient’s complaints of dysuria (painful urination), urinary frequency, urgency, suprapubic pain, and any lower abdominal discomfort. This information can be complemented by questions regarding previous UTIs, sexual activity, and personal hygiene practices, which can provide insight into risk factors. Objective assessment should focus on signs...
483
Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:30

Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

A healthcare provider can diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) through several methods:Medical History and Symptoms: The provider will take a detailed medical history and ask about symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensation during urination, and lower abdominal pain.Urinalysis: A clean-catch urine sample is collected in a sterile container and tested for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells (leukocytes), nitrites, blood, and protein. The presence of leukocytes and...
320
Urinary Tract Calculi I: Introduction01:28

Urinary Tract Calculi I: Introduction

Renal calculi, or kidney stones, are solid deposits of minerals and salts formed inside the kidneys. In medical terminology, "calculus" refers to the stone itself, while "lithiasis" describes the process of stone formation. Depending on their location within the urinary system, these stones may be classified as either urolithiasis, when situated within the urinary tract, or nephrolithiasis, when located within the kidneys. Each term signifies the specific impact of the stone.Predisposition...
545
Urinary Tract Calculi V: Nursing Management01:28

Urinary Tract Calculi V: Nursing Management

AssessmentSubjective Data: Obtain a detailed health history, including any recent or chronic urinary tract infections, periods of immobilization, previous episodes of renal calculi, and medical conditions such as gout, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or hyperparathyroidism. Review the medication history for drugs that may influence stone formation, including allopurinol, analgesics, loop diuretics, or thiazide diuretics. Document the use of long-term indwelling catheters and any past surgical...
311