Identification of Phylogenetic Groups and Antibiotic Resistance in Escherichia coli Isolated from Urinary Tract Infections in Basrah, Iraq

Abstract Background: Escherichia coli is the most common causal agent for urinary tract infections (UTIs), but several other bacteria can also cause UTIs. Phylogenetic classification is essential for understanding E. coli groups as well as the relationships between different strains. Objectives: The aim of the study was to identify phylogenetic groups and antibiotic resistance in uropathogenic E. coli . Materials and Methods: A study was done on patients with UTIs during the period from March 1, 2021, to the end of June 2021, and 57 E. coli isolates were included in the study. Analyzed for phylogenetic groups using the quadruplex-PCR technique. VITEK2 was used to assess the antibiotic resistance. The Chi square was used to estimate the relationship between variables, and P < 0.05 was regarded as significant. Results: The current study shows phylogenetic group D was the most common group (29.82%). Phylogroups A and B2 were the next with (24.56%) and (12.28%). Phylogroup F, the unknown group, and Clade I were the least common, with 8.8%, 5.26%, and 3.5%, respectively. Phylogroups C or E were not observed in this study. The study found a significant relationship between certain antibiotics and E. coli phylogenetic groups. Specifically, Piperacillin ( P = 0.011), Ticarcillin and Cefepime ( P = 0.003), Aztreonam ( P = 0.004), and Ceftazidime ( P = 0.006) were all significantly associated with certain phylogenetic groups of E. coli . This suggests that the resistance patterns of E. coli may be linked to their phylogenetic groups. Conclusions: Further research is needed to explore this relationship and its potential implications for the treatment of E. coli infections.