Molecular study on virulence and resistance genes of ST131 clone (uropathogenic/enteropathogenic Escherichia coli)

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Published on: October 29, 2014

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Razieh Shahbazi1, Masoud Alebouyeh2, Shaghayegh Shahkolahi3

  • 1Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6715847141, Iran.

Future Microbiology
|October 26, 2023
PubMed

Insights

This study identified uropathogenic/atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli hybrids, all belonging to the high-risk ST131 clone. These findings highlight the need for improved prevention strategies against these multidrug-resistant bacterial strains.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) and atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (aEPEC) are significant causes of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
  • The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, particularly the ST131 clone, poses a growing global health threat.
  • Hybrid pathotypes combining virulence factors from different E. coli strains may exhibit enhanced pathogenicity and resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize ST131 clones and other features of UPEC/aEPEC hybrid isolates from pediatric UTIs.
  • To assess the prevalence of antibiotic resistance, MDR, extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), and virulence factors in these hybrid strains.

Main Methods:

  • Collection and analysis of E. coli isolates from children with UTIs.
  • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, MDR profiling, and ESBL detection.
  • In vitro assessment of biofilm formation, virulence gene analysis, and ST131 clone identification.

Main Results:

  • E. coli isolates exhibited high rates of antibiotic resistance, ESBL production, MDR, and biofilm formation.
  • Four isolates (5.0%) were identified as UPEC/aEPEC hybrids.
  • All identified hybrid isolates belonged to the high-risk ST131 clone.

Conclusions:

  • The co-existence of UPEC and aEPEC characteristics in ST131 hybrids represents a significant challenge in pediatric UTIs.
  • These findings underscore the importance of targeted surveillance and improved prevention strategies for hybrid E. coli pathotypes.

Keywords:
ESBLMDRUPEC/aEPECbiofilmhybridsurinary tract infection

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