Some Virulence-Associated Genes of Proteus Isolates Could Predict Antibiotic Susceptibility and Even Infection Source
Narges Jafari1, Roya Ahmadrajabi1, Omid Tadjrobehkar1,2
1Department of Medical Bacteriology & Virology, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Background:
In the present study, the probable association of virulence-associated genes (VAGs) with antibiotic resistance and also sample sources in Proteus isolates was investigated.
Methods:
Then, 91 Proteus mirabilis and nine Proteus vulgaris were used in this study. The disk diffusion method was used in order to perform an antibiotic susceptibility assessment. A combination double-disc synergy test was used for the evaluation of extended-spectrum β-lactamases. Eight VAGs were investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. ERIC-PCR fingerprinting was also performed for P. mirabilis isolates.
Results:
Maximum frequency of resistance was detected against trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole combination in P. mirabilis isolates and against cefalexin in P. vulgaris isolates. Then, 6% of isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR) and all were P. mirabilis. Community-acquired (CA) isolates were more virulent than hospital-acquired (HA) isolates. The zapA (98%) and atfA (77%) were the most common and less common VAGs, respectively. The study findings showed that mrpA and atfA genes were predictors of sensitivity to some antibiotic agents. The rsbA gene could also be similarly used in order to distinguish CA isolates from HA isolates.
Conclusions:
Higher virulence potential of CA isolates in comparison to the HA isolates is suggested. Amikacin, tobramycin, and meropenem were introduced as the most effective antibiotics against Proteus isolates. Our finding primarily introduced some VAGs as biomarkers for predicting antibiotic susceptibility and also in order to differentiate Proteus isolates. However, it has to be confirmed through complementary studies later.
Insights
This study investigated virulence-associated genes in Proteus bacteria, finding that some genes can predict antibiotic resistance and differentiate between community-acquired and hospital-acquired strains. Effective antibiotics against Proteus isolates were also identified.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Investigates the association between virulence-associated genes (VAGs), antibiotic resistance, and sample sources in Proteus isolates.
- Focuses on Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris, common bacterial pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the relationship between VAGs and antibiotic resistance patterns in Proteus species.
- To explore the potential of VAGs as biomarkers for differentiating clinical isolates based on acquisition source (community vs. hospital).
- To identify effective antibiotics against Proteus infections.
Main Methods:
- Antibiotic susceptibility testing using the disk diffusion method.
- Detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases using a combination double-disc synergy test.
- Identification of eight VAGs via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and ERIC-PCR fingerprinting for P. mirabilis.
Main Results:
- High resistance rates observed for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (P. mirabilis) and cefalexin (P. vulgaris).
- 6% of P. mirabilis isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR).
- Community-acquired (CA) isolates exhibited higher virulence than hospital-acquired (HA) isolates, with zapA and atfA being the most and least common VAGs, respectively. mrpA and atfA genes predicted antibiotic sensitivity, and rsbA distinguished CA from HA isolates.
Conclusions:
- CA Proteus isolates possess higher virulence potential compared to HA isolates.
- Amikacin, tobramycin, and meropenem are recommended as effective antibiotics against Proteus.
- Certain VAGs show promise as biomarkers for predicting antibiotic susceptibility and differentiating Proteus isolates, warranting further investigation.
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