The effect of rhamnolipid on gene expression of five adhesion genes fimB - fimH in Escherichia coli isolated from clinical sources in Mosul, Iraq

Aims: This study aims to investigate the role of rhamnolipid in inhibiting biofilm production and gene expression of five adherence genes fimB -fimH in Escherichia coli.Methodology and results: Escherichia coli was isolated from urine and burns at a percentage of 20% for each of them.In contrast, the isolation percentage from sputum was 10%.It was also isolated from stool (control) at 100%.Using Congo red agar method (CRA), 36 E. coli isolates were tested, and it was found that 50% were strong biofilm producers and 2.8% were moderate biofilm producer where 19.4% was weak biofilm producer, and 27.8% were non-biofilm producers.However, in the MTP method, it was found that 27.8% were strong biofilm producers, 25% were moderate biofilm producers, 19.4% were weak biofilm producers where 27.8% were non-biofilm producers.10 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa produced rhamnolipid.Rhamnolipid appeared in two spots using TLC technique related to dirhamnolipid and mono-rhamnolipid.Subminimum inhibition concentration (sub-MIC) of rhamnolipid for E. coli appeared between 1250-78.125 g/mL.Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Real-time PCR was used to detect the ability of rhamnolipid on the expression of the adherence genes fimB, fimC, fimE, fimI and fimH.Escherichia coli No 5RE32 shows an increase in expression after exposure to sub-MIC of rhamnolipid at the concentration of 1250 g/mL.The most affected gene was fimC, followed by fimH, with the same effect on fimB and fimI, and less on fimE.