Molecular characterization and mutational analysis of antibiotic resistance genes isolated in enterococcus faecalis from urinary tract infection patients in peshawar
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is a leading causative agent of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and poses a significant public health concern due to its multidrug resistance. Understanding its resistance mechanisms is essential for improving treatment strategies.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility patterns, and molecular characteristics of antibiotic resistance genes in E. faecalis isolates from UTI patients in Peshawar.
METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 137 urine samples, collected from inpatients and outpatients diagnosed with UTIs at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. Bacterial identification was performed using selective culture media, Gram staining, and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method following CLSI 2022 guidelines. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect resistance genes (CTXM, AmpC, Tet A, Tet B), followed by Sanger sequencing for mutational analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23.0, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05.
RESULTS: Enterococcus faecalis showed high resistance to erythromycin (92%), ciprofloxacin (92%), tetracycline (84%), and penicillin (94%) but remained susceptible to vancomycin, linezolid, and teicoplanin. Molecular analysis detected CTXM (73%), AmpC (78%), Tet A (71%), and Tet B (58%). Mutational analysis revealed non-synonymous mutations in CTXM and AmpC…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Horizontal gene transfer in the human gastrointestinal tract: potential spread of antibiotic resistance genes
- Mutation supply and relative fitness shape the genotypes of ciprofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli
- Genomic Survey of E. coli From the Bladders of Women With and Without Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
- Characterization of cefotaxime-resistant urinary Escherichia coli from primary care in South-West England 2017–18
- Fitness cost constrains the spectrum of marR mutations in ciprofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli
- Emerging evidence-based innovative approaches to control catheter-associated urinary tract infection: a review
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.