Molecular Detection Of Virulence Genes For Escherichia Coli And Staphylococcus Aureus Isolates Associated With Urinary Tract Infection.

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most prevalent bacterial infections worldwide, affecting millions annually. They occur when pathogens colonize the urinary system, leading to symptoms like painful urination, frequent urges, and sometimes fever or flank pain. Antimicrobial therapy must be guided by local rather than international guidelines to minimize the inappropriate and overuse of antibiotics. Patients and Methods: Between October 2024 to February 2025, a total of 150 midstream urine samples were collected from hospitals, health centers, and clinics in the south of Iraq. Urine samples were cultured on blood and MacConkey agars, followed by macro and microscopic identification and biochemical tests. The main bacterial isolates were examined for the presence of virulence genes by polymerase chain reaction. Results: Only 43 samples showed positive bacterial cultures (28.7%), with females (60.5%) being more susceptible than men (39.5%). The predominant uropathogen was E. coli 15 (34.9%), followed by K. pneumoniae 11 (25.6%), P. aeruginosa 8 (18.6%), and P. mirabilis 5(11.6%). The least isolated pathogen was S. aureus, which accounted for 4 (9.3%). More than 60% of E. coli isolates were resistant to tetracycline (66.7%), trimethoprim (73.3%), and Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (66.7%). S. aureus exhibited significant resistance rates to Tetracycline (75%), Trimethoprim (75%), and Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (75%). The resistance rate of S.aureus to Ciprofloxacin was 50%. FimH and KpsMT II genes for E. coli were detected, with high prevalence at 86.7% and 80%, respectively. The prevalence of mdeA and Hla genes in S. aureus isolates was 50% for each, with only 25% of the isolates harboring both of them. Conclusion: The study concludes that resistance to commonly used antibiotics is increasing among urinary pathogens, highlighting an increasing challenge in UTI treatment.