Prevalence of virulence genes in Escherichia coli isolates of patients with UTI

Abstract Background and Objective: Urinary tract infection refers to the presence of microbial pathogens in the urinary tract and is one of the most common infections in outpatient and hospitalized patients. A wide variety of extra-intestinal infections in humans and animals are caused by the extracellular strains of Escherichia coli (EXPEC). Materials and methods:  A total of 50 E. coli isolates were obtained from UTI cases in Bojnord city and confirmed by biochemical tests. After DNA extraction of samples, we used the Multiplex PCR for Identification of Virulence factors. Results: According results of this study prevalence of irp2 gene was highest (64%) and the prevalence of vat (0%) was the lowest. Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of irp2 (iron uptake system) of 64%, it can be concluded that this gene has a significant effect on the pathogenicity and virulence of this bacterium and is one of the most important pathogens in this bacterium. Iron is essential for the growth and proliferation and metabolism of bacteria, the activity of some nickel hydrogenases, donors and electron acceptors in many cellular proteins, oxidative phosphorylation, and so on.