Correlation Between hlyA and cnf1 Virulent Genes with Antibiotic Resistance and non-ESBLs Escherichia coli Isolates Collected from Patient with Urinary Tract Infections in Kerman, Iran

Background: Escherichia coli is the most common cause of urinary tract infections. Different studies have been reported that acquisition of drug resistance mechanism may be related to loss of virulent factors. In this study, we investigated the correlation of antibiotic resistance and ESBLs production with presence of hlyA and cnf1 virulence genes. Methods: During June 2014 to March 2015, 250 Escherichia coli isolates were collected from different patients with urinary tract infections in Kerman, Iran. Disk diffusion method was used for determination of antibiotic susceptibility profile and combined disk method was used for detection of ESBLs producing isolates. The hlyA and cnf1 genes were detected by PCR method. Results: In total, 44.8% of isolates were considered as extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) producing by combined disk method. hlyA and cnf1 genes were detected in 28.8% and 29.2% of isolates, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between susceptibility to NA, CIP, CTX, CAZ, PIT antibiotics with hlyA and cnf1 positive isolates and also significant correlation observed between ESBLs negative isolates with hlyA positive isolates (P value < 0.05). Conclusions: Acquire of antibiotic resistance mechanism may lead to loss of virulence factor.