Evaluation of resistance genes in Escherichia coli isolated from toilets in the Islamic Azad University, Mashhad and genome sequencing (tet B, tet A, tet R, OXA 10 and OXA 48) in tetracycline-resistant strains

Aims and Background: E. coli is a normal flora of the human and animal intestine that sometimes causes pathogenesis in the intestine and urinary tract. The aim of this study is to investigate resistance genes in E. coli isolated from toilets in the Islamic Azad University of Mashhad and perform genome sequencing in tetracycline-resistant strains. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 200 samples collected over 3 months. Samples were cultured and isolated using eosin methylene blue agar medium and E. coli samples were used for PCR to identify resistance genes and also sent to Razavi Hospital for sequencing Results: Out of 200 samples, 41 isolates were identified as E. coli with the highest resistance to Cefotaxime with 74.60% and the highest sensitivity to gentamicin (58.74%). Among the 20 isolates studied, 15 isolates (75%) carried the blaTEM-1 gene and 19 isolates (95%) had the blaOXA-48 gene. Among 5 tetracycline-resistant isolates, 3 isolates (75%) had tetA gene and 2 isolates (50%) had tetR gene. Conclusion: Due to the increase in overuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of extended-spectrum antibiotic-resistant strains and this has burdened the treatment of infections caused by these microorganisms.