Investigation of Class I, II, and III Integrons Among Isolates from Hospitalized Patients in Isfahan, Iran.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of class I, II, and III integrons among clinical isolates collected from hospitalized patients.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at two teaching hospitals in Isfahan, Iran, from October 2015 to October 2016. A total of 147 non-duplicate isolates were collected from clinical specimens and identified as using standard microbiological methods and confirmed by genotyping. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using disc diffusion method, and the presence of integron genes was performed using the polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Out of 147 confirmed isolates, 97.3% of isolates were extensive drug-resistant (XDR) and 2.7% were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Class I and II integrons were detected in 63.9% and 78.2% of the , respectively. Class III integron was not detected in any of the isolates.

Conclusion: Our results show a high prevalence of classes I and II integrons which may play a key role in the acquisition of MDR and XDR phenotype among isolates in our region. Therefore, use of appropriate infection control in clinical settings and implementation of treatment strategies is necessary for our hospitals.