Molecular Detection of Virulence Genes and Antibiotic Resistance in Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli: Focus on Babylon Province, Iraq

Authors

• Lara Hashem Abdzaid, Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Babylon, Hilla City, Babylon Governorate, 51002, Iraq
• Tiba Habeeb Saifi, Department of Microbiology, College of Dentistry, University of Babylon, Hilla City, Babylon Governorate, 51002, Iraq
• Jwan Ahmed Ali, Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Babylon, Hilla City, Babylon Governorate, 51002, IraqFollow
• Layth Jasim Mohammed, Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Babylon, Hilla City, Babylon Governorate, 51002, Iraq
• Isaac Karimi, Research Group of Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Laboratory for Computational Physiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University 67149-67346, Kermanshah, Iran

Corresponding Author

Layth Jasim Mohammed

Authors ORCID

Layth Jasim Mohammed: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9340-8229

Document Type

Original Study

Keywords

Urinary tract infections, Uropathogenic Escherichia coli, Virulence genes, Antimicrobial resistance, hlyA, Sat

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect individuals of all ages, with uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) being their primary causative agent. The accumulation rate of antimicrobial resistance poses a major public health challenge, underscoring the need for genetic monitoring of resistant strains.

Objectives: This study aimed to find virulence genes and antibiotic resistance in UPEC.

Materials and Methods: 110 patients, including 65 females and 45 males, aged 15 to 40 years, were screened for UPEC at Al-Hilla city between January and March 2025. Urine samples were collected to identify E. coli and to analyze associated virulence factors.

Results: Biochemical tests confirmed UPEC isolates (n = 25, 22.7%). Females represented 60% (n = 15), while males represented 40% (n = 10) accounted for UPEC that indicated higher susceptibility in females. Polymerase chain reaction was employed to identify virulence genes, including Sat, usp, hlyA, and cnf, and all isolates carried the 16S rRNA gene for strain identification. The Sat and usp genes were detected in 96% of the isolates, while the hlyA gene was present in 92%. None of the isolates harbored the cnf gene.

Conclusion: Although our study included only 25 isolates, antimicrobial resistance in UPEC is a global issue, and our findings represent only the tip of the iceberg, highlighting the need for larger-scale surveillance studies.

How to Cite This Article

Abdzaid, Lara Hashem; Saifi, Tiba Habeeb; Ali, Jwan Ahmed; Mohammed, Layth Jasim; and Karimi, Isaac (2026) "Molecular Detection of Virulence Genes and Antibiotic Resistance in Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli: Focus on Babylon Province, Iraq," Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science: Vol. 4: Iss. 2, Article 7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62445/2958-4515.1112

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.