Molecular Investigations of Tetracycline Resistance Genes in Escherichia coli strains from Dogs Affected with Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most frequent bacterial infections in both human and companion animals. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC), is the most common bacterium isolated from canine, feline, and human UTIs. The study aimed to investigate the occurrence of tetracycline resistance genes present in Escherichia coli isolated from dogs diagnosed with urinary tract infection. One hundred and three urine samples were collected and examined bacteriologically. Positive E. coli isolates were then subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and PCR analysis. Twenty-five (24.3%) out of one hundred and three urine samples were positive for E. coli. The isolates were found resistant to tetracycline and ampicillin but sensitive to meropenem and gentamicin. The PCR assay detected tet (A) in 21(84.0%), tet (B) in 13(52.0%) and tet (D) in 3 (12.0%) of the E. coli isolates as tetracycline resistance genes. No tet (D) and tet (E) genes were found in any of the isolates tested. More studies aiming the detection and identification of the tetracycline resistance determinants genes is required to contribute to control and preventive measures against uropathogenic E. coli strains.