Ebtehaj Pishva Independent Researcher (Allied Health Assistance), Sydney, Australia
Correspondence to: ebtehajpishva2015@gmail.com
Abstract:
Background: Integrons are genetic platforms that facilitate acquisition and expression of antimicrobial resistance gene cassettes. Their contribution to multidrug resistance (MDR) among intensive care unit (ICU) uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is of increasing concern. This study determined the prevalence of class 1 and class 2 integrons among ICU UPEC isolates and examined their association with resistance phenotypes.
Methodology: A total of 100 UPEC isolated from ICU patients were identified using standard microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing against ampicillin, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was performed according to CLSI guidelines. MDR was defined as resistance to the 3 antimicrobial classes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeted intI1 and intI2 genes. Association of MDR with integron carriage was analyzed using Chi-square test with p<0.05 considered significant.
Results: Resistance rates were highest for ampicillin (40.0%, n=40) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (40.0%, n=40), while ciprofloxacin resistance was 32.0%. MDR was observed in 56.0% of the isolates. Class 1 integrons were detected in 62.0% and class 2 integrons in 18.0% of the isolates. Class 1 integron carriage was significantly associated with MDR phenotype (p<0.05).
Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of molecular surveillance in ICU settings to guide infection control and antimicrobial stewardship.
Keywords: Integrons, multidrug resistance, uropathogenic Escherichia coli, ICU
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