Molecular Investigation of blaTEM, sul1 and papG genes and Molecular Phylogenetic of Beta- lactamase TEM Gene in Multidrug Resistance Proteus mirabilis in Baquba city/ Iraq

Background: Antimicrobial resistance in Proteus mirabilis is increasing worldwide, such as the resistance to sulfonamides and beta lactams due to the production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) in hospitalized patients. Objective: This study aimed to detect some antibiotic resistance genes of P. mirabilis bacteria causing various infections using PCR. Methodology: One hundred eighty specimens were collected from different clinical samples in Diyala. Antibiotics resistance and some virulence factors were detected. PCR was done for blaTEM, sul1 and papG genes and screened through uniplex PCR then sequencing and phylogenetic tree of blaTEM gene was established. Results: Twenty (18.18%) isolates of P. mirabilis were obtained. All P. mirabilis isolates were phenotypically positive (100%) for extracellular urease, swarming and biofilm formation. Antibiogram showed resistance towards Trimethoprim 95% followed by Ampicillin and Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid 85% and 80% respectively. Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin showed 35% resistance, while Levofloxacin and Amikacin showed 5% resistance. Ceftriaxone, Azithromycin and Cefixime showed 70%, 65% and 60% respectively. All isolates were sensitive to Meropenem. Isolates showed that 100% of isolates had sul1 gene, while papG gene was positive in 95% of isolates and finally blaTEM gene was found in 80% of isolates. blaTEM sequencing showed a similarity of 99% with the reference strains of P. mirabilis bacteria. Conclusion: P. mirabilis bacteria were resistant to several antibiotics, especially trimethoprim and ampicillin. Meropenem, followed by amikacin, was the most effective antibiotic against all isolates. The sul1 gene was the most common resistance gene, and the prevalence of blaTEM and papG genes was low.