Detection of sul1, sul2, and int1 Genes in the Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Strains by Multiplex-PCR and their Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns

Uropathogenic E. coli is one of the most important etiologic agents of UTI. To date, resistance rate of uropathogenic E. coli against different antimicrobial agents is a global health concern. The present study aimed to detect sul1, sul2, and int1 genes in the uropathogenic E. coli strains by Multiplex-PCR and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns.
This cross-sectional study was conducted in Tehran, Iran from March to July 2015. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed by disk diffusion method. After biochemical and microbiological tests, all the isolates were tested regarding the presence of sul1, sul2, and int1 genes by Multiplex-PCR.
Overall, 60 (100%) E. coli strains were collected from 60 urine samples suspected to UTI. Distribution of sul1, sul2, and int1 genes was 76.6%, 61.6%, and 43.3%, respectively.
The results of this study showed high antibiotic resistance, which is a serious health threat. Spread of integrons is one of the main causes of emergence of resistant strains.