Frequency of antimicrobial resistance and class 1 and 2 integrons in Escherichia coli strains isolated from urinary tract infections

Resistance to antimicrobial compounds in E. coli strains is increasing. Integrons are mobile genetic elements that lead to the spread and transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria. The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of class 1 and 2 integrons as well as the antimicrobial resistance in E.coli strains isolated from urinary tract infections (UTIs). A total of 100 clinical isolates of uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) were collected from patients having UTIs. These strains were identified using biochemical tests. The antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the isolated bacteria were determined in accordance with the standard method recommended by the clinical and laboratory standards institute (CLSI). The presence of class 1 and 2 integrons was determined by PCR method. The most frequent antibiotic resistance was observed to ampicillin (72%), co-trimoxazole (66%), and nalidixic acid (62%). The highest sensitivity was seen to amikacine (11%) and gentamicin (20%). The multi-drug resistance (MDR) was observed in 80% of E. coli isolates. 70% and 3% of E. coli isolate possessed class 1 and 2 integrons, respectively. Our data suggest that the antimicrobial resistance to some antibiotics as well as the frequency of class 1 and 2 integrons is very high in E. coli strains. Moreover, class 1 integrons are correlated with resistance to ampicillin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, co-trimoxazole, and nalidixic acid. Therefore, it is very important to monitor integron-induced drug resistance, especially class 1 integron, in order to control the urinary tract infections causing by MDR E.coli strains.