Distribution of Integrons among Multidrug Resistant E. coli and Klebsiella Strains

The aim of this study was to identify multidrug resistant isolates of Escherichia coli and K. pneumoniae causing urinary tract infections (UTI) in children and the occurrence of class 1, 2 and 3 integrons in the antibiotic resistant isolates..

A total of 200 urine samples were processed. Urine culture was done using conventional microbiological techniques. Biochemical testing was used to identify the organisms. Susceptibility of 200 isolates to 13 antibiotics was determined and the frequency of multi-drug resistance and their association with intergron was assessed by PCR –RFLP.

171 isolates out of 200 were multi-drug resistant. Existence of intergrons was confirmed in 20.5% of these isolates. Association of multi-drug resistance to Gentamicin, Norfloxacin, Cephalotin and Nalidixic Acid with the presence of integrons was statistically significant, (p <0.002, <0.001, <0.005, and <0.004, respectively). Imipenem and Amikacin were the most effective antibiotics against resistant isolates.

Multi-drug resistance suggests that strategy for treatment of patients with Escherichia coli and K. pneumonia infections needs to be revised. The possibility of transmission of resistance genes by integrons would be decreased by treatment of patients with the appropriate antibiotics. Keywords: Escherichia coli, Kelebsiella, Urinary tract infections, PCR –RFLP.