Investigation of Antimicrobial Susceptibilities and Resistance Genes of Isolates from Patients in Edirne, Turkey.

Background: We aimed to determine the susceptibility of isolates obtained from patients to various antimicrobial agents and to investigate some related antimicrobial resistance genes.

Methods: Fifty-six isolates obtained from fecal specimens by conventional methods at the Trakya University Health Center for Medical Research and Practice, Department of Medical Microbiology in Edirne, Turkey, from 2017-2017 were included. Antimicrobial susceptibilities were investigated by the gradient strip test method, and species determination was made by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR). The presence of the (B) gene and (O) gene was investigated in all isolates by PCR. DNA sequence analysis was performed to detect the presence of mutations in the 23S rRNA positions 2074 and 2075 in five isolates, including two erythromycin resistant isolates. The gene mutation was investigated by the mismatch amplification mutation assay (MAMA)-PCR.

Results: In 54 isolates, resistance to erythromycin was 3.7%; to tetracycline, 59.3%; and to ciprofloxacin, 74.1%. Phenotypically, the (O) gene was detected in 33 tetracycline-resistant isolates, but no (B) gene was found in any of the isolates. As a result of the DNA sequencing, it was found no mutations in the 23S rRNA gene at the 2074 and 2075 positions. The mutation was observed in all 41 ciprofloxacin resistant isolates.

Conclusion: Among the antimicrobial agents tested, ciprofloxacin had the highest resistance rate, and erythromycin had the lowest. Antimicrobial resistance in increased significantly compared with previously studies in our region as well as in the entire world. Monitoring the resistance to antimicrobial agents used to treat infections is important in determining empiric antimicrobial treatment.