Genotyping of Escherichia coli causing vaginal infection in dysplastic patients reveals similar genetic backgrounds between commensal and virulent strains

: Background: Escherichia coli in vagina has not had due importance compared to other already known bacteria. This pathogen has included in its genome mobile genetic elements, several virulence factors, and abilities to facilitate its colonization, mainly in immunosuppressed patients. Objective: The aim of this work was to demonstrate that E. coli strains of vaginal origin isolated from dysplastic patients posses virulence and resistance genes. Methods: One hundred and five E. coli strains isolated from women with cervical dysplasia and vaginal infection were included in this study. This strains were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility. Phylogenetic assignment was performed by Clermont algorithm. Structure of Class 1 integrons was performed by identification of integrase (int1), variable region, and qacEΔ1-sul1 genes. Variable region was amplifed and sequenced and analized. Strains with identical genetic arrangements were typing by ERIC-PCR and virutyping by detection of virulence genes related with citotoxity, adherence, and iron uptake. Results: E. coli strains showed greater resistance to s-lactams and quinolones. Phylogenetic assignment showed that group A/C was more predominant. Sixteen integrons were identified, with monogenic arrays represented by aadA1, dfrB4 dfrA7, dfr2D, and dfrA17 cassettes. The prevalence of bigenic arrays aadA1/dfrA1 and aadA5/dfrA17 were lower compared to blaOXA-1/aadA1. In relation to virulence genes, fimH, traT, and iutA, were the most predominant. Conclusion: High incidence of virulence and resistance factors in commensal and virulent strains of E. coli revealed potential tools in the pathogenesis of vaginal infection.