GENETIC FEATURE DETECTION IN E. COLI ASSOCIATED WITH URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the leading cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly among women. In this study, 30 clinical samples were collected from Atatürk University Research Hospital in Erzurum, Türkiye, between January and April 2021. Standard microbiological and biochemical tests confirmed the presence of E. coli isolates. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on selected isolates, revealing 84 genes associated with virulence factors (VFs). These included 12 adhesin genes, 9 iron acquisition genes, 8 genes related to protection and invasion, 4 toxin genes, and several other functional genes. Phylogenetic analysis classified the isolates into distinct groups: B1 and B2 were assigned to phylogroups one and four, respectively, while isolates two, three, and five shared a common phylogenetic group. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) identified the isolates within sequence types ST69, ST162, ST405, and ST131, with multiple representatives in ST69 and ST131. These findings contribute to the understanding of the genomic diversity and virulence potential of UPEC strains circulating in the region, which is essential for targeted therapeutic and epidemiological strategies