Distribution of genes encoding adhesins and biofilm formation capacity among Uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates in relation to the antimicrobial resistance

Background: Escherichia coli is the most predominant pathogen involved in UTIs. Mainly, fimbrial surface appendages are impli- cated in adherence to urothelium besides non-fimbrial proteins. Objectives: To determine prevalence of genes encoding fimbrial and non-fimbrial proteins among Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Furthermore, distribution of these genes and biofilm formation capacity were investigated in relation to antimicrobial resistance. Methods: Antimicrobial susceptibility of 112 UPEC isolates was performed using disc diffusion method. ESBL production was confirmed by double disc synergy test. Genes encoding fimbrial and non-fimbrial proteins were detected using PCR and biofilm formation was investigated using microtitre plate assay. Results: UPEC isolates exhibited high resistance against doxycyclines (88.39 %), β-lactams (7.14-86.6%), sulphamethoxaz- ole–trimethoprim (53.75%) and fluoro-quinolones (50%). Fifty percent of tested isolates were ESBL producers. PapGII gene was statistically more prevalent among pyelonephritis isolates. SfaS, focG and picU genes were statistically associated with flu- oro-quinolone (FQs) sensitive isolates and Dr/afaBC gene was statistically associated with ESBL production. Moreover, non- MDR isolates produced sturdier biofilm. Conclusion: PapGII adhesin variant seems to have a critical role in colonization of upper urinary tract. There is a possible link between antimicrobial resistance and virulence being capable of affecting the distribution of some genes besides its negative impact on biofilm formation. Keywords: Urinary tract infection; Escherichia coli; UPEC; adhesin genes; ESBL; biofilm.