Abstract:  

This study examined the prevalence of urovirulence genes in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) isolates obtained from Jordanian patients. In addition, antibiotic susceptibility profile of the isolates was also examined. Isolates (n?=?227) were subjected to PCR detection of vat, fyuA, chuA, yfcV, sivH, shiA, sisA, sisB and eco274 genes. The UPEC virulence genes prevalence rates were shiA (92%), sisA (72%), eco274 (44%), sivH (36%), vat (27%), yfcV (25%), sisB (25%), chuA (20%), and fyuA (18%). Approximately half and 82% of the isolates produced extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and were resistant to three or more antimicrobial classes, respectively. Among the isolates, highest resistance was for augmentin (83%) and nalidixic acid (78%). Modest resistance was for cefoxitin (21%) and cefixime (20%). Low resistance was for norfloxacin (5%), amikacin (3%), and ertapenem (0.4%). In conclusion, The UPEC virulence genes shiA and sisA are highly prevalent among the isolates. In addition, high resistance of UPEC to augmentin and nalidixic acid was reported. This may help in elucidating UPEC pathogenesis, and facilitate better treatment strategies for urinary tract infection patients.