Molecular study of probiotic effect on PapG gene in different strains of Escherichia coli separated from urinary tract infection

Escherichia coli  induced urinary tract infection urinary tract infections is a prevalent acquired infection in Iran. The papG virulence gene plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of E. coli, particularly in binding to epithelial cells.  In addition, as a group of probiotics, lactobacilli have an important role in the body and are therapeutically benefits in some cases. This study aimes to molecularly investigate the effect of Lactobacillus casei PTCC 1608 on different strains of uropathogenic E. coli  isolated from urinary infection through PCR. The desired strain of E. coli was isolated from patients with urinary tract infections and investigated through differentiation methods. The papG gene of the desired strain was evaluated through PCR and then strains with positive genotypes were isolated and the antibacterial effect of Lactobacillus casei was evaluated through dilution and disc diffusion methods in a liquid medium. The antibacterial effect of Lactobacillus casei on antibiotic-resistant uropathogenic E. coli was studies. From a total of 40 samples isolated from the urine of patients with urinary tract infections, the results of MIC-MBC were either positive or negative. The antibiotic sensitivity test at the dilution of 1 to 10 showed an inhibition zone of 9 cm. These results indicated that the isolated bacterium was not resistant to ampicillin and the antibiotic did not lose its therapeutic effect. Moreover, the probiotic used has a therapeutic role and can improve urinary infections.