Prevalence of tetracycline resistance genes (tetA, tetB) and antibiotic resistance pattern in uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates

Aim and Urinary tract infection is one of the most prevalent diseases in human. Unfortunately, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics leads to resistance in bacteria gradually. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and distribution of antibiotic resistance to tetracycline resistance genes in uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolated.
Material and In this study, 210 urine samples were collected during four months. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed as recommended by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) using disk diffusion method. All isolates were then examined for presence of the tetA and tetB genes.
Of the 210 urine samples with UTI collected from hospitals, the 150 isolates of E. coli were isolated. Most of antibiotic resistance was related to tetracycline (68%) and least of antibiotic resistance was related to chloramphenicol (8.66%). Among isolates (86.27%), were tetA gene and in 83 isolates (81.37%) tetB gene was detected. 74 (72.45%) isolates were positive for both genes, and 5 (4.90%) isolates were negative for them.
Resistance to tetracycline and other antibiotics, and the presence of tetA and tetB genes in UPEC strains are alarming signs in our area. The current study strongly recommends restricted the consumption of antibiotics including tetracycline. Further studies should be conducted in order to find out the extent of the problem in other areas.