Characterisation of uropathogenic E. coli by detecting virulence factors and its drug resistance pattern in tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: E. coli is the most common pathogen identified from urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are among the most common nosocomial and community-acquired bacterial illnesses in people. The idea that UPEC is associated with urinary pathogenicity is further supported by the presence of virulence factors in UPEC strains, including as biofilm formation, ESBL production, and hemolysin. Aims and Objectives: This study was done to isolate E. coli from urine samples of suspected UTI patients, to assess their virulence factors such as β -haemolysin & biofilm production and to determine antibiotic susceptibility pattern & ESBL production by phenotypic method. All isolates were identified as per standard procedures. Materials and Methods: Beta-haemolysis using 5% sheep blood agar & biofilm production by congo red agar were determined. The Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method was used to test for antimicrobial susceptibility. According to CLSI recommendations, screening and the phenotypic double disc synergy test were used to assess ESBL production. Results: 160 E. coli urinary isolates were collected from patients of urinary tract infection out of which 84(52%) showed biofilm prodution. ESBL production were seen in 77 isolates i.e 48% and haemolysin were in 90 isolates i.e 56%. Most isolates obtained were resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics but showed high sensitivity towards antibiotics like chloramphenicol, meropenem, amikacin, imipenem and nitrofurantoin. Conclusion: For early diagnosis and timely treatment, routine screening of E. coli isolates should include assessment of virulence factors like beta-hamolysin, biofilm and ESBL production.