Investigation of virulence factor genes and biofilm formation of antibiotic resistant clinical E.coli isolates.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the antibiotic sensitivity, presence of virulence genes and biofilm formation capacity of 90 clinical E.coli isolates METHODS: The presence of virulence genes in E.coli isolates were investigated by PCR. Ninety clinical isolates of E.coli were subjected to biofilm quantitative analysis using the semi-quantitative crystal violet staining method.

Results: it was observed that the isolates were resistant to quinolone, cephalosporin, aminoglycoside, carbapenem and penicillin group antibiotics. The presence of virulence factor genes were observed in a total of 86/90 E.coli. The highest rate of fim (92.2%) virulence factor gene was detected in the strains. Afa, pap, cnf, sfa, hly were detected in 30%, 13%, 13%, 3.3%, 2.2% respectively. Also, 13 different virulence factor gene patterns were determined in 90 E.coli isolates. Of the 90 E. coli isolates whose biofilm-forming capacities were evaluated, 42 were found to have biofilm-forming capacity. Of these 26 (28.8%) the weak, 12 (13.3%) moderate and 4 (4.4%) strong biofilm-forming. Also, statistical analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between virulence factor genes and biofilm formation, and none of the 7 genes analyzed showed a significant relationship with biofilm formation.

Conclusion: since pathogenic E. coli is an important public health problem, investigating antibiotic resistance, virulence factor genes and biofilm formation in bacterial pathogens is important for better treatment options.