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Phylogenetic group distributions, virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance properties of uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infections in South Korea
Author(s) -
Lee J.H.,
Subhadra B.,
Son Y.J.,
Kim D.H.,
Park H.S.,
Kim J.M.,
Koo S.H.,
Oh M.H.,
Kim H.J.,
Choi C.H.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
letters in applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.698
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1472-765X
pISSN - 0266-8254
DOI - 10.1111/lam.12517
Subject(s) - escherichia coli , virulence , microbiology and biotechnology , phylogenetic tree , biology , antibiotic resistance , antimicrobial , bacteria , urinary system , enterobacteriaceae , genetics , antibiotics , gene , endocrinology
Urinary tract infections ( UTI s) are one of the most common diseases by which humans seek medical help and are caused mainly by uropathogenic Escherichia coli ( UPEC ). Studying the virulence and antibiotic resistance of UPEC with respect to various phylogenetic groups is of utmost importance in developing new therapeutic agents. Thus, in this study, we analysed the virulence factors, antibiotic resistance and phylogenetic groups among various UPEC isolates from children with UTI s. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that majority of the strains responsible for UTI s belonged to the phylogenetic groups B2 and D. Of the 58 E. coli isolates, 79·31% belonged to group B2, 15·51% to group D, 3·44% to group A and 1·72% to B1. Simultaneously, the number of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance exhibited were also significantly high in groups B2 and D compared to other groups. Among the isolates, 44·8% were multidrug resistant and of that 73% belonged to the phylogenetic group B2, indicating the compatibility of antibiotic resistance and certain strains carrying virulence factor genes. The antibiotic resistance profiling of UPEC strains elucidates that the antimicrobial agents such as chloramphenicol, cefoxitin, cefepime, ceftazidime might still be used in the therapy for treating UTI s. Significance and Impact of the Study As the antibiotic resistance pattern of uropathogenic Escherichia coli varies depending on different geographical regions, the antibiotic resistance pattern from this study will help the physicians to effectively administer antibiotic therapy for urinary tract infections . In addition, the frequency of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes among various phylogenic groups could be effectively used to draw new targets for uropathogenic Escherichia coli antibiotic‐independent therapies. The study emphasizes need of public awareness on multidrug resistance and for more prudent use of antimicrobials.