The association of antibiotic resistance with Pyelonephritis-Associated pilus (Pap) and type 1 fimbriae (FimH) genes in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Background: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the main cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs), representing about 80% of the community and 50% of hospital UTIs. UPEC possesses an army of virulence factors, including biofilm formation and adhesion factors such as the Pyelonephritis-associated pilus (Pap) and fimbrial adhesion (fimH) genes, enabling attachment to host cells. Aim: To detect fimH and pap genes, biofilm formation, and how they relate to antibiotic resistance. Methods: 100 isolates of UPEC were taken from UTI patients who were sent to the Microbiology lab of the El-Fayoum Fever hospital from June 2024 to December 2024. Isolates were determined to be E. coli using Gram staining, colony morphology, and biochemical reactions. Tests for antibiotic susceptibility were conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method on a Mueller-Hinton agar plate. Biofilm was detected by the microtiter petri-dish method. FimH and pap genes were recognized using multiplex PCR. Results: All UPEC isolates produced biofilm, and 16 isolates produced strong biofilm. Pap and fimH genes were identified in 49 and 86 isolates, respectively. The most sensitive antibiotics were imipenem and meropenem, followed by amikacin,92%,86% and 82 % respectively. Most of the weak biofilm producers were sensitive. Significant association between pap gene and biofilm formation, P value 0.020. Conclusion: Pap and fimH genes were important virulence genes in UPEC.